I'm fairly certain that in the cases you mentioned, the people doing the jailing / penalizing are also guilty of crimes and at the very least, violating public trust. Seems to me like more tit for tat politicking.
Prosecuting political opponents is convenient and very effective, especially if friendly parties control most of the media as well.
Prosecuting political opponents is convenient and very effective, especially if friendly parties control most of the media as well.