arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

by: Devin T. Theriot-Orr
November 17, 2000, Seattle, WA -- A coalition of organizations and individuals will be taking to the streets, and to the courts, to demand police accountability for abuses that took place during the WTO protests. The December 1 Mass Filing Coalition will be marching to the City Clerks office to submit claims filed by hundreds of people against the City of Seattle for claims arising from the WTO protests last year. This action coincides with the weeklong anniversary celebration of the mass protests that shut down the WTO last November 30. The claims will play a vital and important role in stemming the trend towards increased repression against activists and others speaking out. This strategy of filing individual claims for damages complements other legal actions to hold the city accountable on narrower issues as in the case of the class action lawsuit filed this fall by Trial Lawyers for Public Justice. That lawsuit was filed on behalf of the nearly 600 people arrested last year after the "no protest zone" was implemented.

The December 1 Mass Filing Coalition has been gathering claims from those who suffered a variety of abuses at the hands of police units under the command of Mayor Paul Schell and Police Chief Norm Stamper. Some of the claimants were pepper-sprayed, tear-gassed, or arrested during the protests. Others were silenced or intimated by the "no-protest zone" established by mayoral decree as tear gas filled downtown streets on the evening of November 30. Still others had their freedom of movement restricted due to their political beliefs, or their appearance. Many of the claimants live in the Puget sound region, but the Mass Filing Coalition notes that claims are welcomed from anyone who was present during the protests.

"There are no small claims. If you feel like you were injured and the city caused it, you have a valid claim," said Erica Kay, a spokeswoman for the organization.

So far, only a handful of individuals have bothered to go through the filing process to seek restitution for their injuries. Those who have done so have received settlement offers ranging from $2,500 - $10,000. This has lead to assumptions by some that the City of Seattle recognizes the blatant illegality of these acts.

The December 1 Mass Filing Coalition will be holding two Legal Clinics in the Seattle area over the next two weeks to help people through the process of filing their claims. The first will be held at the Seattle University Law School, Room 105, on Monday, November 20 from 7:30 – 10pm. The second will be at Seattle University Piggot Hall, room 103 from 6 – 9pm on Wednesday, November 29th. For more information, please contact the Coalition at 632-1656, on email at can@drizzle.com or checkout their website at http://www.seattlecan.org/can/claims.asp.