That's why there are specific protections for government whistleblowers?

This case, though, is entirely different. It's not someone reporting that the government is doing something heinous that needs the light of day, it's a government official abusing their position of trust.

How would you like it if someone started posting your tax forms? It's not much different to me than the popo who abuse Flock.

That's what makes it such a good case. Neither the traitors (Chen and her husband are both US citizens) nor the leakers are heroes.