Story perspectives

Documentary Reveals Police Brutality at WTO Seattle Protests

12/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In December 1999, the World Trade Organization ministerial conference in Seattle sparked protests over corporate greed, workers’ rights, and sovereignty.
The largely peaceful protests faced police violence, including tear gas and rubber bullets, contributing to the conference's failure.
Ian Bell produced the documentary WTO/99 to examine this moment, using archival footage, including amateur recordings, to show police brutality and contrast with official narratives by professional journalists.

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Story summary

In December 1999, the World Trade Organization ministerial conference in Seattle sparked protests over corporate greed, workers’ rights, and sovereignty.
The largely peaceful protests faced police violence, including tear gas and rubber bullets, contributing to the conference's failure.
Ian Bell produced the documentary WTO/99 to examine this moment, using archival footage, including amateur recordings, to show police brutality and contrast with official narratives by professional journalists.