Recent events make this protestation even less believable than it was at the time.
From the economist.com
Despite his protestation, the children attack Witige and are slain.
From the en.wikipedia.org
You do realize that riots are not peaceful protestation, right?
From the economist.com
Perhaps we should look at Rove's protestation in a larger context.
From the forbes.com
Despite its protestation of a romantic plot, Rock Of Ages sound like a midweek tribute night in a Billericay pub.
From the independent.co.uk
Despite the occasional protestation to the contrary, the GOP has no intention of helping him pass any legislation.
From the newsweek.com
A tackle on him from behind by Daniel Agger went unpunished, sparking loud protestation from City players and fans.
From the nzherald.co.nz
The earlier work is primarily rebellious in character and can be seen as a protestation against dogmatic religion.
From the en.wikipedia.org
Despite Cable's protestation that the banking crisis was a failure of competition, the banking crisis was a failure of legislation.
From the guardian.co.uk
More examples
Protest: a formal and solemn declaration of objection; "they finished the game under protest to the league president"; "the senator rose to register his protest"; "the many protestations did not stay the execution"