Issue and Opponent: Uruguay had been relatively politically stable in South America. However, the military coup in 1973 changed the narrative. The government of Uruguay began to use fear, threats, and intimidation to keep its population under control. People were tortured, political parties were banned, and the media was censored. Seregni, the former leader of Broad Front, had been imprisoned since January 1976 due to his efforts to revolt against the government of Uruguay.
Dilemma Action: Empty buses drove through the streets with “obligatory emergency service” signs in their windows during a strike. The government had to choose between allowing the buses to continue going through the streets empty, which demonstrated the discontent of the strikers, or initiating stronger repressive measures (they had already engaged in violence towards the strikers).
Outcomes: The government ultimately decided to release Seregni. These peaceful strikes led to the end of the military regime.