Trade Protest Ends With Police Sweep

Police barricaded the downtown central plaza Saturday and searched people protesting an international trade conference as activists chanted: “This is what a police state looks like.”

At least 47 people were arrested, raising the arrest total to 53 since Thursday, as the Transatlantic Business Dialogue wrapped up Saturday. The two-day conference involved about 90 corporate executives from Europe and the United States and about 100 international trade officials.

The business group is putting together recommendations aimed at easing barriers to international trade. Protesters contend the business leaders want to water down rules protecting workers and the environment.

As part of Saturday’s rally, demonstrators carrying life-size papier-mache pigs above their heads marched past the headquarters of Chiquita Brands International Inc. and other corporations and the conference hotel.

Police used a chemical spray to disperse stragglers after a confrontation over one man’s refusal to put away a flag. The man was among those arrested.

More than 80 helmeted officers and a dozen on horseback used metal barricades to keep the demonstrators away from the headquarters of Kroger Co., the nation’s largest grocery chain.

Sister Alice Gerdeman of the Coalition for a Humane Economy, which organized the rally, said the police searches were intimidation that could lead to more trouble. Her group staged mostly peaceful demonstrations Thursday and Friday involving crowds of 300 to 400 people. She said those arrested were acting on their own.

“My concern is that when we have this show of force, it frustrates these people more,” she said.

Police Lt. Ray Ruberg said officers took a hard line because protesters would not stay within the confines of permits that allowed them to march on certain streets Friday but only to assemble Saturday.

On Friday, some of the estimated 350 to 400 protesters toppled barricades and broke windows in skirmishes with police.

Charges against those arrested have included rioting, disorderly conduct and forgery for faking press passes.