They absolutely are a Kiddush Hashem as the protesters are following directives to protest issued by their Gedolei Yisroel shlita. Publicly adhering to your Rabbonim’s instructions is demonstrating Emunas Chachomim, which is the epitome of a Kiddush Hashem.
An even greater Kiddush Hashem is by those Bnei Torah who are moser nefesh themselves in adhering to their rabbonim’s admonitions (not to register for the draft) that result in the secular authorities imprisoning them for upholding their religious principles.