English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
PROSECUTED or PERSECUTED?
Many activists feel that the decision to sue Farotimi is a violation of his human rights, which amounts to being ~prosecuted~ (nonstandard).
Many activists feel that the decision to sue Farotimi is a violation of his human rights, which amounts to being *persecuted* (standard).
To persecute is to treat someone unfairly or cruelly over a long period of time because of their race, religion or political beliefs, or to annoy someone by refusing to leave them alone:
Others feel Farotimi should be ~persecuted~ for dragging Aare Afe Babalola’s name through the mud (nonstandard).
Others feel Farotimi should be *prosecuted* for dragging Aare Afe Babalola’s name through the mud (standard).
If the authorities prosecute someone, they charge them with a crime and put them on trial.
GAB
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