Also, source on the 'massive protest'? Present the evidence.
This is a deeply buried thread nobody is reading anymore. I don't think there's anyone here to convince but me.
It would be totally reasonable for you to break off this thread at this point (I normally would too), but if you want someone to talk to that isn't susceptible to wishcasting in either direction on this news event, I'm here for you.
"no need for me to do so" or because you just can't? I'm not waiting for an answer. Just ask yourself that. Because at the moment, your methodology doesn't seem to be truth seeking.
On the other hand, if the reason you're engaging on HN is to evangelize a particular geopolitical position, I can imagine disagreement is more problematic, but you should know that's an abuse of the site.
It would be one thing if you were arguing that it was, and presenting evidence. But this is just innuendo.