> Even though those export control were arguably bad, the law must be respected and the being seen ignoring the law would have a chilling effect on appearance of a fair democracy.

On one hand I firmly believe that if a rule is stupid you have no moral obligation to obey it. There might still be consequences though, however unjust.

On the other hand so many rules can be in place for years because people just don't obey them so their stupidity is mitigated to the point of invisibility.