Protestors hurl Molotov cocktails at barricaded WTO

Anti-globalisation protestors hurled Molotov cocktails at riot police in Geneva.

Police were keeping them away from the lakeside headquarters of the World Trade Organisation.

Earlier, an estimated 5,000 people took to the streets to demonstrate against the WTO, protesting that globalisation put profits before people.

"God is dead. The WTO replaced it," read one banner.

The protests are part of a series of worldwide demonstrations against the WTO, which is currently holding its ministerial meeting in Doha, Qatar, on whether to launch a new round of trade liberalising organisations.

Grassroots organisations, which gathered for the WTO ministerial meeting in Seattle in December 1999, say that rigid visa restrictions have prevented them from travelling to the Gulf state.

"Governments have taken refuge in Doha because they are afraid of the people who elected them," said Swiss peasant leader Fernand Cuche.

Police in full riot gear were out in force, effectively sealing off Geneva's banking quarter. Many stores along the procession route closed briefly in fear of trouble. Extra security guards were posted by McDonalds outlets - usually a popular target of anti-globalisation protesters.