[xorcist]

> Persecuting someone for choosing a political candidate or supporting a political group is the exact opposite of a democracy

Speaking out against atrocities and harmful political views is exactly what democracy is about.

Some people find themselves "persecuted" any time someone disagrees or they can't get media on their side. That is diluting the term and in no way reason to stop speaking out against them. (And perhaps ironically, the ones who want to silence others often see themselves as silenced.)