The Velvet revolution in Czechloslovakia in 1989 was sparked by the rumour of the killing of a 19 year old student. Thousands marched in to street. The report was false, but sparked the mobilization of citizens against the communist government.

On June 30, 1990, in Zambia a lone soldier briefly occupied the national radio station and announced long time dictator Kaunda's ouster. People poured into the streets, singing and dancing for several hours until the security forces restored order. It was not in fact true. But the humiliation that the dictator and his supporters experienced along with the revived spirits of the opposition dramatically changed the political landscape leading to elections in which the 27 year ruler was defeated.