Geneva anti-WTO protesters smash windows, burn cars

By Laura MacInnis

GENEVA (Reuters) - Anti-capitalism protesters smashed the windows of banks, shops and cafes in central Geneva and set cars on fire on Saturday during a demonstration against the World Trade Organisation.

A Reuters reporter at the scene said some demonstrators were breaking the windows of every building they passed and setting off fireworks in the main shopping street.

Police in riot gear headed off groups of violent protesters.

A Reuters photographer said three cars had been set on fire near the city bus station. A pall of smoke hung over the city centre and tear gas drifted through the streets, though it was not clear whether this was fired by police or demonstrators.

The violent protesters were a minority in an otherwise good-natured crowd of about 2,000 people, accompanied by a dozen tractors and a marching band, who were demonstrating against a three-day WTO conference starting on Monday.

Protesters held up signs saying "Stop Capitalism, No WTO", "WTO is enemy of the climate" and "We will not sell our souls to the multinationals".

Police spokesman Patrick Pulh said later "The situation is

calmer now and the march has resumed its normal route."