At first, the opposition was confined to ridicule and sarcasm but later morphed into active persecution.

The active persecution of Polish intellectuals was continued until the end of the war.

The active persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses abated somewhat, although thousands were arrested during World War II for seeking religious exemption from military service.

The active persecution of witches.

And he must be simpleminded; anyone could see this active persecution would make trouble-not only unhappy commons but young von Elbe and his like getting above themselves.

The Protestant Calvinists at that time dominated much of the French nobility, leading to active persecution of Catholics in some regions.

Any writer or journalist who wants to retain his integrity finds himself thwarted by the general drift of society rather than by active persecution.

There should be a system of the protection of religious values, not active persecution of people of other faiths.

Under NEP the state eased its active persecution of religion begun during war communism but continued to agitate on behalf of atheism.

A 28-year-old widow, Sarah Ann held regular worship services in the face of continued and active persecution.