Thanks for responding, Michael. Apologies for my continual complaints about 'the politics of a country that isn't my own.

Funnily enough. I'm once again living in a country that is not my own, surrounded by friends and neighbours who also live in a country that is not their own, but seemingly free to express their opinions positive and negative anyway.

I shall have to inform them that this is not allowed and that they should keep their opinions to themselves unless, of course, they take the appropriate civic steps.