It's very easy to claim to be the victim of political showboating when you tie your criminal activity to a political cause. It kind of reminds me of terrorists launching attacks from areas densely populated by civilians and then vilifying the counter attacks that end up hurting civilians.

> then vilifying the counter attacks that end up hurting civilians

Attacking civilian targets is wrong regardless of which side is doing it. Having previously engaged in the same behavior does not make the act any less wrong, or the vilification any less deserved.

> Attacking civilian targets is wrong regardless of which side is doing it.

What about a single civilian in a civilian building filled with a company of soldiers? In the law of armed conflict this kind of thing is called "perfidy" and brings no protection.