Threatening Lawsuit on National TV
In Uruguay, a distributor association publicly threatened legal action and discredited Diego Rodríguez Sendoya on television after he exposed how front groups are used to weaken tobacco control policy. But the tactic failed as evidenced by how civil society stood by him.
How the Threats of a Lawsuit on National TV is used to Silence Civil Society in Uruguay
Diego Rodríguez Sendoya is a sociologist and civil society advocate in Uruguay. Through Organización Multidisciplinaria para la Integración Social (OMIS) and regional networks, he has promoted WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) implementation and helped expose tobacco front groups. From 1990 to 2021, Uruguay saw an estimated 701 lives* saved due to tobacco control efforts.
Diego is also a collaborator for the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index (GTI), producing the civil society report on Article 5.3 Implementation for Uruguay.
*Lives Saved Estimate: The estimate of lives saved is based on a comparison of Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data . The number was derived by comparing the number of deaths attributed to tobacco use as a risk factor in 1990 with those reported in 2021, as reported in the GBD dataset.
The Tactic: Public Threats and Legal Intimidation via a Tobacco Distributor Group
Following a televised appearance discussing front groups, Diego was publicly challenged by a tobacco distributors group, and a legal threat was suggested—though no formal complaint followed.
The Incident: A Televised Threat Following Public Criticism
After Diego explained how front groups work on TV in September 2023, the Asociación de Distribuidores de Tabaco publicly accused him of false claims and threatened legal action —without filing a case.
The Response: Truth, Documentation, and Regional Solidarity
Diego did not engage with the threats. He and allies issued a public statement , signed by regional health and legal organizations, defending his integrity and denouncing the attempt to silence civil society.
The Outcome: Threats Ceased, Advocacy Continued, Credibility Defended
According to Diego’s account, no legal complaint was filed, and the threats eventually ceased. Diego’s credibility remained intact and he continues his advocacy work with strong regional support.
Why It Matters
This case shows how public threats—without follow-through—can chill civil society advocacy. Demonstrates how naming tactics and standing firm can neutralize intimidation.
Disclaimer
This case study is based on publicly documented legal rulings, media reports, organizational statements, and other publicly available sources. It also relies on information provided by civil society actors who are not affiliated with the tobacco industry. All references to individuals and organizations are based on their publicly known affiliations and roles in documented proceedings. This may include accounts of alleged misconduct grounded in private documentation retained by individuals involved. All materials are presented as reported by the source and conveyed in the public interest. This is not intended as definitive legal conclusions but is shared for educational and advocacy purposes, in line with responsible reporting standards and applicable law.