"In 1999, over 40,000 demonstrators gathered in downtown Seattle to protest the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference. The large-scale anti-globalization protests were held in opposition to the intergovernmental organization's anti-democratic control over global trade. Human and workers' rights, environmental protections, child labor laws, and community standards are general impediments to the profit motives inherent in multilateral free trade agreements. Over four days,"
"By then, the protestors had successfully delayed the WTO's opening ceremonies by blocking delegates from entering the building, and the Seattle police department - on orders from the local government, who were likely pressured by the Clinton administration - escalated the conflict. Soon after, protestors started confronting the police and vandalism ensued. By 4:30 p.m., Seattle mayor Paul Schell declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew, effectively suspending constitutional rights and handing over unilateral power to the police for the duration of the conference."
In 1999 over 40,000 demonstrators gathered in Seattle to oppose the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference. Protesters challenged perceived anti-democratic control over global trade and free trade agreements that prioritized profit over labor rights, environmental protections, and community standards. Over four days diverse participants sought to defend popular sovereignty against expanding corporate power. On November 30 police shifted from observation to tear-gassing nonviolent demonstrators who had blocked key intersections and delayed the WTO opening. Confrontations and vandalism followed, and at 4:30 p.m. the mayor declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew, effectively suspending constitutional rights and empowering police. Archival footage captures hour-by-hour events and police use of chemical agents and rubber bullets.
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