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Seattle City Council hearing into WTO unrest, the second, lasts 10 hours on December 14, 1999.

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On December 14, 1999, the Seattle City Council holds the second of its hearings into the unrest surrounding the World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting during the week of November 30, 1999. The council hears some 175 witnesses during the 10-hour hearing. Approximately 200 people attend the hearing held in the Seattle Center Pavilion. The hearing ends at 1:55 a.m.

At the first hearing on December 8, 1999, held at the Seattle Public Library, more than 500 people turned out and many were turned away.

The combined 18 hours of testimony represented the longest hearings in Seattle history. A total of 295 persons spoke to the council. One group called the Raging Grannies wore caps and feathers and sang a song. At the conclusion of the hearing, Councilman Nick Licata said that it appeared that all the attendees had their say and he doubted that another hearing would be necessary.

According to Seattle Times reporter Jeff Hodson:

"Many waited hours for their turn to speak. When they did, they railed against globalization, police brutality, the media and a host of social ills. At various times, it felt like a town-hall meeting, political rally and variety show."

On December 13, 1999, the City Council voted to impanel a three-person committee to investigate the events surrounding the WTO event. Councilman Jim Compton was assigned to head the panel, which would have the power to subpoena documents and testimony.

Sources:
The Seattle Times, December 15, 1999 (http://www.seattletimes.com/).

By David Wilma, January 01, 2000

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