In the news

Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices in the News Around the World

  • How we were forced to confess to witchcraft - victims

    Hope Abah
    Daily Trust
    22 March, 2025

    Blessing Sunday, a young student, recounts the night she and her father were accused of witchcraft in their Ipinu-Oju central community in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.

  • Three people hacked to death in Odisha over witchcraft suspicions

    By Debabrata Mohanty
    Hindustan Times
    19 March, 2025

    In a shocking incident in Odisha, three individuals were brutally hacked to death over accusations of witchcraft. The horrifying event has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the continuing prevalence of superstitions in the region. Read more about this tragic story and its implications.

  • Witch-hunting: A culture war fought with skepticism and compassion

    By Leo Igwe
    Skeptic
    18 March, 2025

    In Malawi, the ongoing persecution rooted in witchcraft accusations highlights the dark reality of witch hunts that persist in various communities across Africa. This article explores the alarming rise in violence against those accused of witchcraft and discusses the efforts being made to end these brutal practices. Learn about the factors driving this issue and the fight for justice and safety for the accused.

  • Witches are having a cultural moment. Some states are taking up their cause

    By Alexander Nazaryan
    The New York Times
    18 March, 2025

    Maryland is the most recent state to introduce legislation to exonerate those convicted of witchcraft centuries ago. But why now?

    (You will need to sign in for free read)

  • Man jailed for accusing Lorna Nicko of sorcery

    By
    Post Courier
    18 March, 2025

    A man has been sentenced to prison for accusing Lorna Nicko of sorcery, a charge rooted in harmful superstitions. This case sheds light on the dire consequences of sorcery allegations and the urgent need to address superstitious beliefs in society.

  • UNDP’s new documentary, ‘Noken Kilim Meri’, sheds light on PNG’s rising epidemic of sorcery accusation related violence

    By UNDP
    17 March 2025

    The documentary film directed by Marco Venditti will get its premiere at Paradise Cinema at Vision City Mall on 20 March 2025.

  • Jharkhand woman killed over witchcraft charge, body found buried in sand

    By India News

    17 March, 2025

    A man was arrested for the shocking murder of a woman based on witchcraft accusations. This incident highlights the dangerous consequences of superstitions and societal stigma.

  • Songtaba launches gender rights project to combat witchcraft accusations and gender-based violence

    By Aukaisha Abdullai
    Ghana News Agency
    14 March, 2025

    Hajia Lamnatu Adam, Executive Director of Songtaba NGO, said during the launch of the project, which also commemorated this year's International Women's Day, that it would include a focus on intimate partner violence and witchcraft accusations.

  • Seadogs Condemns Witch Hunts, Calls for Urgent Action on Human Rights Violations

    By Folalumi Alaran
    This Day
    10 March, 2025

    The National Association of Seadogs has issued a strong condemnation of recent witch hunts, stressing the urgent need for action to address escalating human rights violations. In a statement released on March 10, 2025, the group called for increased vigilance and accountability to protect the rights of individuals against persecution. Highlighting the alarming trend of targeting marginalised communities, the organisation emphasized the importance of upholding justice and dignity for all citizens. The call to action resonates as a plea for unity in the defence of fundamental human rights amid growing societal tensions.


  • See the new tartan pattern created to honor women accused of witchcraft in Scotland between 1563 and 1736

    By Sarah Kuta
    Smithsonian Magazine
    10 March, 2025

    Discover the vibrant new tartan pattern designed to honor the women accused of witchcraft in Scotland from 1563 to 1736. This unique tribute weaves together history and artistry, shedding light on a poignant chapter of the past. Read on to learn more about the story behind this meaningful creation.

  • Marylanders accused of witchcraft could be exonerated under proposed bill

    By JT Moodee Lockman
    CBS News
    10 March, 2025

    Uncover the fascinating history of Maryland's witch trials as the state considers legislation to acknowledge and honour the victims. See into the dark past of witchcraft accusations and learn how lawmakers aim to commemorate those affected by this harrowing chapter in history. Read more about this important initiative!

  • Commonwealth Day 2025: Together We Can End Witch hunts and Ritual Attacks

    By Leo Igwe
    Modern Ghana
    09 March, 2025

    The article discusses the theme for Commonwealth Day 2025, ‘Together We Can End Witch Accusations’, to raise awareness about the injustices faced by those accused of witchcraft, particularly in various Commonwealth nations. It emphasises the need for collaborative efforts to combat superstition and violence linked to witch hunts, and calls for united action from governments, civil society, and communities to protect vulnerable individuals, promote legal reforms, and educate to dismantle harmful beliefs surrounding witchcraft accusations.

  • FG, group partner to end witchcraft-related human rights abuses

    By Peter Dada
    Punch
    08 March, 2025

    The Nigerian government collaborates with a coalition of human rights organizations to tackle the alarming issue of witchcraft-related abuses, which continue to plague vulnerable communities. This partnership aims to raise awareness and provide support for victims of violence and discrimination linked to witchcraft accusations. By fostering dialogue and implementing educational initiatives, they seek to dismantle the harmful beliefs that perpetuate these human rights violations, striving for a safer and more just society for all.

  • ‘I was accused of witchcraft – here’s how I escaped’

    By Eleanor Steafel
    Daily Telegraph
    06 March, 2025

    The harrowing story of Kindoki—a belief in witchcraft that has led to tragic consequences in the case of Victoria Climbie. Accused of witchcraft, innocent children have faced unimaginable suffering, shedding light on the broader issues of cultural beliefs and their impact on vulnerable communities. This exploration not only raises awareness about the dangers of such accusations but also calls for greater protection and understanding for those labeled as ‘witches’ in contemporary society.

  • Exploring the historical connection between queer women and witchcraft

    By Dominic McNally
    Gen
    06 March, 2025

    The article looks at the intricate history of queer women and their connections to witchcraft, exploring how societal fears and prejudice against those who defy traditional gender roles often cast them as witches.

  • Dickson Tanda: An unsung hero saving women from sorcery-related violence in Papua New Guinea

    By Scott Waide
    RNZ
    03 March, 2025

    Dickson Tanda is a dedicated advocate in Papua New Guinea, working tirelessly to combat sorcery-related violence against women. Despite facing significant challenges, he has become a beacon of hope, rescuing victims and providing them with protection and support. Tanda's efforts highlight the urgent need for awareness and action in addressing the human rights abuses associated with sorcery accusations, making him an unsung hero in the fight for justice and safety for vulnerable women in his community.

  • Addressing sorcery accusation violence within a broken system

    By Scott Waide
    Post-Courier
    03 March, 2025

    The article sheds light on the critical issue of sorcery accusation-related violence in Papua New Guinea, where a fractured support system leaves victims vulnerable. As traditional beliefs clash with modern legal frameworks, many women accused of witchcraft face harassment and violence, often with little recourse for justice. The piece explores the challenges in addressing this human rights crisis, emphasising the need for comprehensive reforms and community awareness to protect the most at-risk individuals. It calls for a unified response to create a safer environment and dismantle the harmful stereotypes that perpetuate these abuses.

  • The rise of child 'witchcraft' cases in the UK

    By Rebekah Evans
    The Week
    27 February, 2025

    The article explores the alarming increase of child witchcraft accusations in the UK, where vulnerable children, particularly from immigrant communities, are being subjected to harmful labels and mistreatment. It highlights disturbing trends where children are accused of witchcraft, often leading to physical and psychological abuse, abandonment, or even murder. It shows there is a need for urgent intervention from social services and law enforcement to protect these children and address the underlying cultural beliefs fueling such accusations.

  • Thousands of children in England accused of witchcraft in past decade

    By Diane Taylor
    The Guardian
    24 February, 2025

    In a disturbing trend, new figures reveal that over 14,000 children in England have been accused of witchcraft since 2015, with 2,180 assessments happening in just the past year. This alarming data coincides with the release of Kindoki Witch Boy, a film about Mardoche Yembi, who was subjected to exorcism as a child. The release also marks the 25th anniversary of Victoria Climbié’s tragic death from similar accusations. Yembi hopes the film will encourage other victims to come forward and highlight the pressing issue of faith-based abuse.

    See film at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLLf8WYWB34

  • New Mexico Supreme Court overturns murder conviction of woman prosecutor called a 'witch'

    By Olivia Lewis
    The Taos News
    20 February, 2025

    The article reports on a significant ruling by the New Mexico Supreme Court, which overturned the murder conviction of a woman previously labeled as a ‘witch’ by a prosecutor during her trial. This case highlights the dangerous intersection of superstition and the judicial system, where accusations of witchcraft can skew perceptions of guilt and influence legal outcomes. The court's decision not only seeks justice for the wrongfully convicted woman but also sheds light on the enduring stigma surrounding witchcraft and the impact of such labels on individuals, particularly women, within the legal framework.

  • Leavenworth woman found guilty after threatening violence, witchcraft

    By Julia Scammahorn
    KCTV5 News
    05 February, 2025

    56-year-old woman claimed her neighbor was a witch responsible for casting a hex on her, convicted for Criminal Threat.

  • Five sentenced to death in Nigeria over ‘witchcraft’ murder

    By News Wire
    The Nation
    05 February, 2025

    Five men have been sentenced to death by hanging in Nigeria’s Kano state for the 2023 murder of a woman they accused of witchcraft.

  • Traditional leader remains behind bars after assaulting elderly women he accused of witchcraft

    By Lubabalo Ngcukana
    City Press
    03 February, 2025

    A 29-year-old man appeared in the Elliotdale (Xhora) Magistrates' Court facing two charges of assault and another of imputing witchcraft, related to his claims one of the women had bewitched his late father.

  • A multifaceted approach needed to end witch-hunting in Jharkhand and other states

    By Tabrez Alam
    Forward Press
    29 January, 2025

    A pressing need exists for a comprehensive national law criminalising witch-hunting, with strict penalties for perpetrators. Providing communities with proper healthcare services could significantly reduce influence of ojhas and reduce the instances of witch-branding in Jharkhand.

  • Son leaves father for dead after accusing him of witchcraft

    By Sheronrose Mgombe
    Chronicle
    24 January, 2025

    A man from Binga, Zimbabwe assaults father, accusing him of witchcraft. Appears in Hwange Magistrate’s Court facing charge of attempted murder.

  • Northern Regional Minister-designate pledges to address abuse of accused witches

    By Valentia Tetteh
    Gbcghanaonline
    23 January, 2025

    The Northern Region Minister-Designate, Ali Adolf G. John, has vowed to tackle the ongoing issue of abuse and isolation faced by individuals accused of witchcraft in some communities.

  • Tribal family in Odisha's Mayurbhanj continues to face social boycott over witchcraft accusations

    By Express News Service
    The New Indian Express
    22 January, 2025

    Despite police case and witch-hunting law invoked, no arrests made as family is denied basic rights and access in Dorakantia village.

  • Four jailed for 135 years for lynching grannies over witchcraft claims in Kisii

    By Chrispine Otieno
    Citizen Digital
    22 January , 2025

    Four individuals have been sentenced to a combined 135 years in prison for their roles in the brutal lynching of two elderly women in Kisii, accused of witchcraft. This tragic incident highlights the dangers of superstition and mob justice, calling for greater awareness and protection for vulnerable members of the community.

  • Lawmaker seeks to exonerate the victims of the less known Maryland Witch Trials

    By Manny Moreno
    The Wild Hunt
    14 January, 2025

    A Maryland legislator aims to clear the names of those accused, tried, or convicted of witchcraft before the American Revolution.

  • At the gate of 2025, women are still branded witches, forced to eat faeces, and even killed in India

    By Vitasta Kaul & Vedaant Lakhera
    Frontline
    13 December, 2024

    Over 75,000 women—mostly from backward castes—face violence and ostracism as ‘daayans’ across villages. The authorities look away…

  • Five arrested for murder in Koraput over sorcery accusation

    By Express News Service
    The New Indian Express
    11 December, 2024

    After villager accusations of practising sorcery, the five accused beat Shiva to death.

  • Married women living with families biggest victims of witch-hunting: Bihar survey

    By Omar Rashid
    The Wire
    11 December, 2024

    Most women facing witchcraft-related violence in India are married and living in joint families, according to a recent Bihar survey.

  • Witch hunts and gang violence must stop in Haiti

    By Leo Igwe
    Modern Ghana
    10 December, 2024

    The Advocacy of Alleged Witches is outraged over the brutal killing of at almost 200 people accused of witchcraft in Haiti.

  • Haiti gang massacres around 180 people, targeting elderly over witchcraft fears

    By Harold Isaac
    Reuters
    10 December, 2024

    Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-caring-toddlers-fA29oQ0cpcY

  • Centuries after Salem, witch hunts persist

    By Justin Klawans
    The Week
    26 November, 2024

    Despite the passage of 331 years, religious witch hunts continue worldwide, often under-reported. While women remain primary victims, men and children are also frequently accused of witchcraft.

  • Witch-hunting tradition In Rajasthan subjects women to harassment, torture and sexual abuse

    By Prakiti
    Feminism in India
    21 November, 2024

    Witch-hunting tradition, commonly known as Dayan Pratha, in many parts of Rajasthan, is a primitive and heinous practice that labels women as witches.

  • Shining a light without causing more harm: brave Papua New Guinean journalists on reporting on violence and sorcery accusation

    By Lemach Lavari
    ABC News
    19 November, 2024, updated 28 Nov 2024

    Detailing the challenges facing the brave journalists reporting on sorcery accusation-related violence.

  • The man battling Nigeria’s 'witch-hunters'

    By Jonathan Griffin & Olaronke Alo
    BBC News
    26 October, 2024

    Activist Leo Igwe at the forefront of efforts to help people accused of witchcraft in Nigeria.

  • Witch hunting in Imo State

    By Life & Style
    This Day
    17 August, 2024

    The Advocacy for Alleged Witches warns against the witch-hunting event "That Witch Must Die" in Mbieri, Imo State. Advocates advocate that it is vital to distinguish between religious freedom and promoting harm.

  • Accused of witchcraft then murdered for land

    By Njeri Mwangi in Kilifi county & Tamasin Ford in London
    BBC News
    08 July, 2024

    An investigation into a shocking spate of elderly people accused of witchcraft then murdered along Kenya’s Kilifi coast.

  • Bay Area family charged in ‘exorcism’ death of 3-year-old girl will stand trial

    By Summer Lin
    Los Angeles Times
    23 May, 2024

  • Reckless witchcraft accusation amounts to defamation: Courts in Africa concur

    By Emmanuel Sarpong Owusu
    Modern Ghana
    16 May, 2024

    Witchcraft beliefs are deeply ingrained in many African communities, often leading to violence against vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. Interestingly, occasional cases arise where those accused of witchcraft take legal action against their accusers for defamation.


  • In Nigeria, a self-acclaimed evangelist’s campaign incites hatred and violence

    By Leo Igwe
    ZAM
    13 May, 2024

    Many Nigerians still believe in witchcraft. Evangelists’ campaigns to ‘free from witchcraft attacks’ only strengthen the primitive belief.

  • Libyan animal rights defenders freed after detention over 'witchcraft' accusations

    By Austin Cooper
    MENA, The New Arab
    4 April, 2024

  • When Ruth Kissam buried the body of a woman accused of sorcery in PNG, it changed her life

    By Sarah Kanowski, Dan Smith and Meggie Morris for Conversations from the Pacific
    7 July, 2023

  • How Social Turmoil Has Increased Witch Hunts throughout History

    Vicious attacks on women often accompany economic upheavals

    By Silvia Federici, Alice Markham-Cantor
    Scientific American May 2023 Issue
    1 May, 2023

    Image: A family member holds a portrait of Iquo Edet Eyo, who was killed in Nigeria in October 2022. Credit: Kholood Eid

  • Seeing Witches: The cult-like church and the crash that rocked Victoria

    Simone Fox Koob, Amelia Adams and Laura Sparkes
    22 April, 2023

    Simiona Tuteru, a member of The Potter’s House Christian Fellowship, was the supervisor of the truck driver who killed four police officers on the Eastern Freeway in April, 2020.

  • PAP reaches milestone with the launch of Guidelines on eliminating harmful practices, human rights violations

    Press Release
    Pan-African Parliament
    15 March, 2023

  • Why did a Swiss Diocese abolish its exorcism ministry?

    By Solène Tadié
    National Catholic Register
    3 January, 2023

  • African Union takes steps to stamp out witchcraft attacks

    By Sophie Edwards

    Two elderly women residing at the Kukuo Witch Camp located in the south district of northern Ghana. Photo by: Pacific Press Media Production Corp. / Alamy via Reuters Connect