"If you protest against CCP abroad, they will find people you love to make you pay." I don't understand how this tactic wouldn't backfire. Such a tactic is out

"If you protest against CCP abroad, they will find people you love to make you pay." I don't understand how this tactic wouldn't backfire. Such a tactic is outright thuggery. Thugs tend not to have a good brand. Thus defeating the point?!