Legal Definitions - persecution

Definition: Persecution is when someone is treated violently, cruelly, and oppressively because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, politics, or other beliefs.

Example: A Jewish family is forced to leave their home and flee their country because they are being threatened and attacked by their neighbors who hate Jews.

Explanation: In this example, the Jewish family is being persecuted because of their religion. They are being treated violently and cruelly by their neighbors who hate Jews. This is an example of how persecution can be directed towards a group of people because of their beliefs.