English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
PERSECUTE or PROSECUTE?
He was ~prosecuted~ by the military government for his belief (nonstandard).
He was *persecuted* by the military government for his belief (standard).
If someone is persecuted, they are treated cruelly and unfairly, often because of their race or beliefs.
There was no evidence to ~persecute~ him (nonstandard).
There was no evidence to *prosecute* him (standard).
If the authorities prosecute someone, they charge them with a crime and put them on trial.
GAB
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