WTO protests hit Seattle in the pocketbook

Last Updated: Thursday, January 6, 2000 | 10:50 AM ET

CBC News

Rioting during the World Trade Organization meeting raised Seattle's cost of handling the conference to $9 million, surpassing worst-case projections.

Broken windows, graffiti and trash littered the streets after some of the 45,000 protesters demonstrating against the WTO meeting turned violent. Police overtime bills were higher than expected.

The final bill to taxpayers may be even higher once the city adds the cost of public defenders for protesters who plan to fight their arrests in court. Officials had estimated the conference would cost the city $6 million.

Police battle protesters

In addition to the city's costs, downtown Seattle businesses lost an estimated $20 million in property damage and lost sales during the conference.

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