Protesters Say Miami Police Overreacted

Police were accused Friday of overreacting and using excessive force in clashes with demonstrators at this week’s trade talks.

Police defended their actions, saying Miami averted the kind of widespread violence that rocked the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle in 1999. Seattle was hit with five days of rioting that caused millions in damage.

“All you have to do is look at the videotapes from Seattle and realize the potential for destruction,” Lt. Bill Schwartz said.

On Thursday, as trade ministers from 34 countries drafted a blueprint for free trade in the Western Hemisphere, demonstrators threw water bottles and other objects at officers, set fires in the street and used slingshots against police. Riot police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, batons, concussion grenades and stun guns.

Police made 172 arrests, compared with 570 during the Seattle protests. At least three officers and about 140 demonstrators were treated for injuries in Miami.

On Friday, the National Lawyers Guild asked for an independent investigation into officers’ conduct. The American Civil Liberties Union also was investigating.

“Such paramilitary tactics are ill-conceived and self-defeating and have no place in a democratic society,” said Michael Avery, president of the lawyers guild.

Police Chief John Timoney said officers acted with restraint, giving protesters ample warnings before using force. “If we didn’t act when we did, it would have been worse,” he said.

Cory Fischer-Hoffman, 20, said she was on the front line of a standoff with police when officers advanced on the crowd. She said she was hit in the face with a club but was not seriously hurt.

“We were just standing there, totally peacefully,” she said. “I was honestly looking this guy in the eye with a peace sign, and then all of a sudden, boom. There was no provocation.”

Scattered protests continued Friday after the trade meeting concluded. No violence was reported.