Two women were arrested after hanging from an Interstate 5 retaining wall downtown for more than an hour Saturday afternoon, holding aloft a banner protesting next week's World Trade Organization meeting here. At least 150 supporters chanted and cheered, led by a mock cheerleading squad of men and women who wore lipstick and red skirts. Traffic backed up in both directions because of the demonstration. A third person also was arrested, but no details were available. Police did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Protesters decry the global trade body as undemocratic and too powerful.
They maintain that WTO agreements have harmed environmental and human rights protections. The WTO Ministerial conference, which will inaugurate a new round of international trade talks, meets here from Tuesday to Friday. The meeting is expected to draw 50,000 to 100,000 delegates, journalists, observers and protesters. Attendees could include President Clinton and Cuban President Fidel Castro. APB Multimedia Inc. All rights reserved.