Because they're accelerating their grip on power. They've already tested the waters in the past, and they're using the opportunity of everything that has unfolded this week as a preface to escalate and see the reaction. They will keep doing so until there is pushback of some kind; they will see with how much they can reasonably get away with.

Unlike those that are content with being idle and "trust the plan," these tyrants know how to exploit a strategic position when the opportunity presents itself. As it was once said... "Don't let a crisis go to waste." That's what's happening.