 The government banned all trade unions in 1927, and arrested 150 labor organizers between 1927 and 1932.Physical force was used against some kinds of prisoners common criminals, suspected spies, and those accused of plotting regicide.Burglars in particular were subjected to the bastinado (beating the soles of the feet), and the strappado (suspended in the air by means of a rope tied around the victims arms) to "reveal their hidden loot".