I mean, yes, that's true, but look at other famous whistleblowers. Edward snowden still lives in exile in russia over a decade later. How long did assange have to take shelter in an embassy? They felt strongly enough to take their actions, knowing that they might be targeted by one of the most powerful and ruthless governments on the planet.
Maybe there will be someone who is willing to be dragged through the mud and made an example of by our legal system.