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Demonstrations

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Demonstrations

• At the end of a long cold winter, the transportation system in Chisnau is mired in problems. Road damage has resulted in the disabling of a significant portion of the bus fleet. Bus service has declined considerably, with overcrowding and reduced schedules commonplace.

• Disagreements and tensions between passengers and drivers have increased steadily. Early one March morning, along a main thoroughfare, a crowded bus traveling at a high speed runs over a pedestrian who had stepped from the curb in anticipation of boarding the bus.

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Demonstrations (Cont)

• The bus driver, in a panic, speeds up rather than pulling to a stop. The passengers on the bus overcome the bus driver and beat him severely.

• By the next morning, the story is all over the press. The victim hit by the bus, an 81-year old grandmother, is now in the hospital in critical condition. The bus driver is also in the hospital in serious condition.

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Demonstrations (Cont)

• Spontaneous demonstrations of 100 to 300 people are taking place all along the city’s bus routes. The demonstrators are demanding action against the bus driver and a better bus service in general. Police report by mid-morning that demonstrators are showing signs of tying the bus issues to other public grievances (power, employment, and even healthcare).

• Meanwhile, the bus drivers are beginning to strike in support of the accused driver and against their “poor working conditions.” At least two other attacks on bus drivers have occurred as transport conditions have worsened.

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Demonstrations (Cont)

• The police must decide soon whether or not to arrest the bus driver involved in the original incident. They have received unconfirmed reports that he plans to flee to Romania (where he has relatives) as soon as he is released from the hospital.

• By the afternoon, police have received reports that various demonstrating groups now plan to join together in their efforts. The police now expect 50,000 to march on Parliament tomorrow morning.