[SideburnsOfDoom]

Well, "people with a progressive viewpoint" is not exactly the same thing as "organised opposition".

The first is nigh inevitable for some percent of the population. The second is not. In fact a repressive state will turn it's efforts into preventing such people connecting, organising, etc. Giving them the message that it is best for them to keep their heads down and keep quiet, and not join a "movement".

That is why, in repressive state, any non-state social movement would be viewed a potential threat, even if it claims to be not political at all.