Dhimmi's (People of the Book): Why are they persecuted?

[zacb]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhimmi

If they are not to be persecuted, why are many persecuted?

[momopi]

To start, Muslims in an Islamic State are encouraged to convert non-Muslims to their faith, but non-Muslims are not permitted missionary activities.

In Malaysia, for example, a Muslim who wish to convert to another religion would be an apostate, subject to jurisdiction of the Shariah Court.