Seattle held liable over 1999 protest
A federal jury found Seattle liable for the unlawful arrest of protesters during the World Trade Organization meeting in 1999, a ruling that could cost the city significantly.
The jury found the city liable for violating the rights of about 175 protesters against unreasonable search and seizure, but did not find a violation of their free-speech rights. A lawyer for the city argued that the verdict showed the jury was confused by its instructions, and said Seattle would seek to dismiss the case.
Barring that challenge or an immediate appeal, the class-action lawsuit would move to a damages phase.
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