Not always.

The goal of protests (and direct action) isn’t to target the dictator, but to shift the public. The way to bring down dictators is through building a movement so large that the regime can’t continue. Dictators want people to be afraid. Movements win by making participation feel good.

I don't get how "they made" public transit unsafe. How did liberals magically do that? Can they use this power for good?

Arrest the Press Secretary for contempt of court.