Seven years after being illegally arrested in Westlake Park, about 175 World Trade Organization protesters settled their claims with the city of Seattle for $1 million -- and promises to clear their records and improve police training.
The settlement announced Monday is the largest -- and last -- to arise from dozens of lawsuits filed after the 1999 downtown protests.
"The lesson here is that the police can respect the constitutional rights of protesters and at the same time protect the public safety," said Mike Withey, lead attorney for the plaintiffs.
After legal fees are subtracted and members of the class action are properly identified, each will be eligible for between $3,000 and $10,000.
Seven years after being illegally arrested in Westlake Park, about 175 World Trade Organization protesters settled their claims with the city of Seattle for $1 million -- and promises to clear their records and improve police training.
The settlement announced Monday is the largest -- and last -- to arise from dozens of lawsuits filed after the 1999 downtown protests.
"The lesson here is that the police can respect the constitutional rights of protesters and at the same time protect the public safety," said Mike Withey, lead attorney for the plaintiffs.
After legal fees are subtracted and members of the class action are properly identified, each will be eligible for between $3,000 and $10,000.
Here is one of the things that really pisses me off about that case: Many of these people refused to disclose their identity after being arrested. Since they could not be identified, they could not really be processed. Then, when the legal time limit had passed for processing them, they complained that their rights were violated because they were not processed -- because they could not be identified.
I remember watching on TV when protestors said they were going to march around the county jail. They were given permission because they said they would march for 45 minutes, then go. I screamed at the TV, "You have to be fucking kidding me." Two days later....
I hope some politically correct group does not attack me, requiring me to have police protection. I'd probably get a bill.
How about a class-action suit from the taxpayers of America, against the protestors, since it is our money that will be used to pay for this if the military actually ponies up.
What I would truly like to see is the Commander In Chief tell them flat out, "NO! If you want reimbursed, than charge the jackasses who made the extra police presence necessary."
9 comments, latest by Dances With Typos at 5:48 pm 4/4
I'll probably get a chicken for this.
But come on!!! Just when you thought the shark had been jumped for stupidity...
Your safe AFW. I was going to yesterday but didn't.
Did you see the linked article about the 1999 WTO protesters getting a settlement -
WTO protesters to receive $1 million
Pssst!
Thanks, Stormi, it was PERFECT!
And may I announce to everyone that Stormi RAWKS? Really. And she's totally got our backs.
Or putting on the "listen to me, you freak" voice and giving the Montel show hell.
Or putting on the "listen to me, you freak" voice and giving the Montel show hell.
Word.
Did you see the linked article about the 1999 WTO protesters getting a settlement -
WTO protesters to receive $1 million
Here is one of the things that really pisses me off about that case: Many of these people refused to disclose their identity after being arrested. Since they could not be identified, they could not really be processed. Then, when the legal time limit had passed for processing them, they complained that their rights were violated because they were not processed -- because they could not be identified.
I remember watching on TV when protestors said they were going to march around the county jail. They were given permission because they said they would march for 45 minutes, then go. I screamed at the TV, "You have to be fucking kidding me." Two days later....
I hope some politically correct group does not attack me, requiring me to have police protection. I'd probably get a bill.
People's Republic of Bloggie, anyone?
How about a class-action suit from the taxpayers of America, against the protestors, since it is our money that will be used to pay for this if the military actually ponies up.
What I would truly like to see is the Commander In Chief tell them flat out, "NO! If you want reimbursed, than charge the jackasses who made the extra police presence necessary."