BERN, Jan 22 (AFP) - Swiss security forces detained 74 people Saturday during an anti-capitalism demonstration against the World Economic Forum in Davos later this month, police said.
But most were later released, and the only reported incident of lawlessness came when demonstrators hurled beer bottles at the police, according to journalists in the city.
Faced with the refusal of Swiss authorities to allow large demonstrations against the world's leading free-market forum, anti-capitalist groups have called for numerous wildcat actions, and urged the public to engage in "imaginative acts of civic disobedience."
Police stopped and searched anyone thought to be a potential demonstrator, and questioned people getting off trains from other areas of Switzerland. Reinforcements waited nearby in armored vehicles.
The heavy security measures were aimed at preventing a repetition of past riots that have caused heavy property damage here.
The economic forum, which brings together political leaders and economic movers and shakers was scheduled to begin on Wednesday. Swiss authorities have mobilized up to 5,000 troops, a squadron of F18 fighters and 50 helicopters to protect the well-heeled and well-connected participants.
01/22/2005 20:07 GMT - AFP