So ... what do EU advocates make of this
Interesting. I feel like I am watching history happen in some way. Something will happen, either a brutal crackdown so severe it will be recorded for years to come in the same way as the soviet crackdowns in Eastern Europe in the 50's and 60's or we will see a change of regime.
I'm inclined to feel that the hardliners have made their decisions and set a path and will use force to keep their way no matter what. Fanatics tend to win against so called 'moderates'.
But whatever ... you cannot just stick 2 fingers up to Europe and expect to come off well ... Even the UK knows that.