Mind you, calling someone a hero cost you next to nothing in utility so I think the choice is a no brainier.
People who express their homosexuality in Russia face repercussions. Someone who opposes racism such as black face in The Netherlands gets repercussions. Someone who leaks a video of war crimes faces repercussions. Expressing your support for these people likely has repercussions as well. They might not be opaque, but think about something as being put on a list (hello Tor Tails) or being bullied as two examples of repercussions.
I mean, murder is just one. There's one thing worse than murdering me, btw. Murdering my offspring, my child. In North Korea they got that one covered. Your whole family will suffer if/when you (attempted to) fled/flee. In our more civilized societies the repercussions are (much) less severe, but I don't believe there are none.
Also a friendly reminder that, for instance, Edward Snowden is hiding in Russia of all places from a possible death penalty.
Capital punishment for an ultimataly selfless act, motivated by his moral code and love for a country that very much would like to see him gone for good.
I would like to live in the former, but you have to face reality: we do not live in such a society, we live in one where heroes like him will only be murdered, and no one will really care as it'll be forgotten quickly.
People who expose corruption don't always live to see the day their efforts make a difference. But the bad guys don't always win either.