I agree that it does feel alarmist, but to be fair, the article mentioned multiple times that the research isn’t established just yet. In the end it sort of reminds me of the radiation doses from x-rays and CT scans. You have to weigh the potential risks with the potential benefits when deciding to practice with a firearm.

I think they mainly fear that if they pardoned him, it will create a knock on effect leading to even more whistleblowers. People who were on the fence about becoming whistleblowers would see that the repercussions aren’t that severe anymore and hence might take that step.