By Alfred Lasteck
BBC Africa
25 October 2025

Location: Tanzania

This article details the fear Mariam Staford feels each election cycle, when witchcraft accusations tend to intensify. As a person with albinism, she was attacked during local elections in 2008, with her left and right hands cut off. Superstitious people believe that the body parts of people with albinism bring wealth, luck or political success. Five months pregnant, she was left for dead - she survived but her unborn child did not. The article details the ongoing fear and provides statistics on the 211 incidents since 2008.

By Team MP
Millennium Post
25 October 2025

Location: India

Hundreds of local men and women assembled outside the Balurghat Police Station to protest police inaction in relation to a formal complaint lodged on earlier in the month over the branding of a tribal man as a ‘witch’ and alleged extortion by local influencers. A man had been falsely accused of witchcraft and the local arbitration committee had demanded he pay a fine and also threatened to kill him if he didn’t leave the village. He fled and filed the complaint. The villagers want the police to follow through on the complaint to arrest the suspects and return the money.

By Madhu Sudan Chatterjee
The Wire
25 October 2025

Location: India

Padabi Tudu, aged 37, was accused of practising witchcraft. The only person in her family with a formal education, she had insisted that her own children get one as well. Other members of her family, who were not educated, had been bullying and subjecting to her to mental harm for the past five years. They blamed her for a family death and accused her of witchcraft. She tried to reason with them but they would not listen and even though help was sought, nobody intervened, and they murdered her. When questioned, local people said no anti-superstition training had occurred in their area but doubted it would make any difference, citing attacks on other women in July and the year prior.

By The New Indian Express
24 October 2025

Location: India

The Jharkhand High Court has taken suo motu cognisance (a legal power of courts to take action on their own initiative without a formal petition being filed by a party) of media reports on the killing of three members of a family in Lohardaga, on the suspicion that they practised witchcraft. One of those killed was none-years-old. Additionally, the court has sought details of cases registered under the Witchcraft Prevention Act, 1999, in the last two years, and has directed the government to provide all information on the status of investigation of these cases. The High Court has directed the listing of the present case along with the records related to public interest litigation filed in 2012 and 2015 related to similar cases. The court next hears the matter on 14 November.

By Timi Owolabi
Daily Post
19 October 2025

Location: Nigeria

Following participation in a roundtable discusiion, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Bauchi Branch, and the Advocacy for Alleged Witches, AFAW have raised concerns about the increase in women being accused of witchcraft in Bauchi State. They urge people to speak out before harm is done and for greater awareness of the laws and rights.

By SOHR
18 October 2025

Location: Syria

A woman was accused of practising witchcraft and sorcery in Nawa city in the western Daara countryside. An unidentified gunman short her dead.

By Leo Igwe
Modern Ghana
17 October 2025

Location: Nigeria

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches partnered with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (Bauchi State) to hold a roundtable discussion aimed at exploring questions around why witchcraft accusations persist in Bauchi state and why accusers frequently single out women, children, the poor and the elderly. They also discussed what more needs to be done, what missing links need to be addressed and what initiatives are needed next.

By Kousik Sen
The Telegraph
16 October 2025

Location: India

Following the illness of a young girl in Birohini village, three families were accused of practising witchcraft. A soothsayer had told the villagers that these families were responsible for the illness. They were extorted of money, food and were threatened and ostracised. Sunil Kisku, head of one of the families, lodged a complaint with the police. The police have filed the case and are organising awareness drives for the area.

By Pinak Pani Chowdhury
Millennium Post
16 October 2025

Location: India

Villagers allegedly blamed 70-year-old Sunil Kisku for causing the ongoing illness of a young woman and accused him of practising witchcraft. They warned him to leave the village immediately or face dire consequences. He lodged a complaint with police and when it seemed they weren’t doing anything, sought the aid of a tribal rights organisation. Investigations are underway.

By ETV Bharat English Team
ETV Bharat
15 October 2025

Location: India

This article details concerns about how, despite claims of improvement, the state of Jharkhand continues to have some of the highest levels of witch hunting in India. Most recently is the case of 3 family members killed on 8 October after being accused of witchcraft (see link in Lohardaga couple, minor son killed over witchcraft charges below). The article says that between 2023 and 2025 to date, 24 people have been killed after being accused of witchcraft. The article provides detailed breakdowns of the statistics.

By Tuhina Sahoo
The Prameya
13 October 2025

Location: India

In a sad update to a story we noted in September, 52-year-old Tuni Singh died after allegedly being chained to a tree by villagers. She had tried to intervene on behalf of her relative had been accused of witchcraft and was caught up in the fray. The police have arrested five individuals who were involved in the assault.

By Werner Menges
The Namibian
13 October 2025

Location: Namibia

A nephew claimed that his aunt had taken pictures of him to a sangoma (witch doctor). His aunt sued for defamation, claiming that his statements had suggested she was practising witchcraft with the intention to cause him harm. In finding the nephew’s statements to be defamatory, the judge further noted that community members take allegations of witchcraft seriously, which can lead to ruptures in family and community relations.

By Kshitiz
The Times of India
12 October 2025

Location: India

Baleshwar Bhuiyan, a 65-year-old man, was allegedly beaten to death by his neighbours on suspicion of practising witchcraft. He was assaulted with sticks and stones and his face crushed with rocks. Police arrived to find him dead and had his body sent to the hospital for postmortem. His family have filed a written complaint against the suspects.

By Esther Addley
The Guardian
11 October 2025

Location: UK

The leader of Maidstone borough council has written to the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, to ask for new laws to pardon the Penenden Heath women as well as all others historically convicted of witchcraft. They see this as a timely warning about the picking scapegoats for the ills of people and society.

By RNZ Pacific
10 October 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

Two women were accused of sorcery, held against their will and tortured for hours. One of the women died from her injuries and the other is in hospital in a serious condition. Five people have been arrested.

By Abdul Babajide
Daily Post
10 October 2025

Location: Nigeria

Sixty-four-year-old grandmother, Mulikat Sanni, was killed by her grandson after he accused her of practising witchcraft. He blamed her for a series of misfortunes. He is in custody awaiting trial.

By KA Gupta
The Times of India
10 October 2025

Location: India

Unknown assailants attacked three family members with spades after accusing the trio of practising witchcraft. The deceased victims were Laxman Nagesia, his wife Bifni Nagesia and their 9-year-old son Rambilas Nagesia. Their daughter-in-law said that the co-residents harassed her in-laws by branding them as witches. She survived the attack and named three villagers involved in the attack.

By Shubham Tigga
The Indian Express
09 October 2025

Location: India

A 60-year-old woman, Fulkuria Devi, was allegedly hacked to death with an axe following an accusation of practising witchcraft by her neighbour. The neighbour suspected her of being a ‘witch’ after his brother died earlier in the year. She was struck with an axe and died. Her son attacked the suspect and police are awaiting the suspect’s recovery before continuing their inquiries. The village head said that superstition and a lack of awareness continue to contribute to these accusations.

By John Siddle and John James
Daily Mail
06 October 2025

Location: UK

The article discusses how the number of children in England suspected of being abused because of accusations of witchcraft has reached the highest level on record. Official figures on abuse linked to faith or belief reveal 2,180 children were potential victims. This figure may also be an under-reporting. The report discusses stories of some of the victims and what is being done to address this. It calls for safeguarding professionals to be clear eyed and not excuse this abuse on the grounds of culture. Two of INAWARA’s working committee members are quoted in the article.

By Miriam Zarriga
Post-Courier
05 October 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

Lae Metropolitan Superintendent Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban confirmed that five murder suspects were arrested and detained by Lae Police .

Note: This story is behind a paywall.

By Kuma Rajesh
The Times of India
05 October 2025

Location: India

Suman Devi, a 34-year-old woman, was assaulted by a distant relative and other people who accused her of practising witchcraft and blamed her for the death of a newborn baby. Her husband took her to hospital to have her injuries treated. Five suspects have been named and the police are investigating.

By Craig Buchan
BBC
02 October 2025

Location: UK

Maidstone Borough Council has called on the government to pass legislation to grant a general pardon to victims of witch trials in the 1600s. This includes seven women who were hanged in Kent in 1652. The hope is that the legislation will be similar to Turing’s law, which posthumously pardoned thousands of gay and bisexual men of crimes of which they’d be innocent today. The Council has also voted for a permanent memorial to the women.

By Kenzie Beach and Sara Filips
Fox10 Phoenix
30 September 2025

Location: USA

A mother and son allegedly attacked their neighbours with a metal pipe after claiming they were the targets of witchcraft practised by their victims. The victims were left with head wounds and had some of their items stolen. Both suspects are currently in jail.

By Daily Trust
30 September 2025

Location: Nigeria

Two internally displaced persons (IDPs) allegedly killed 72-year-old Abba Mustapha after accusing him of practising witchcraft. They went to his house and beat him with sticks. Police rescued him but he was confirmed dead at the hospital. Two suspects have been arrested. The police spokesperson urged the community to report incidents instead of resorting to violence.

By Ghanaian Times
30 September 2025

Location: Ghana

Survivors of witchcraft accusations have asked Parliament to pass the Anti-Witchcraft Accusation Bill swiftly, helping to ensure that vulnerable women are protected from stigma, abuse and banishment. The survivors see this legislation as crucial for restoring their dignity and ensuring them a safe future.

By Agnes Nworie Abakaliki
The Point
29 September 2025

Location: Nigeria

The NGO Advocacy for Alleged Witches has demanded that stakeholders stop all human rights abuses being perpetuated by witch hunts and accusations. Leo Igwe sent a letter to the Deputy Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly to ask for the harms to be stopped and to reiterate that witchcraft accusation is against the law.

By Zagazola Makama 
Zagazola.org
29 September 2025

Location: Nigeria

A 45-year-old  woman, Mai-Kudi Danginjo, was allegedly accused of witchcraft by suspected Lakurawa armed bandits in an area of Sokoto state. A large number of bandits stormed the remote village where she lived, abducted and killed her. They dumped her body back in the village the following day. Troops were called to the area and the perpetrators are being sought.

By The Times of India
28 September 2025

Location: India

A 48-year-old woman, Nanibai alias Narmadabai, was attacked with an iron pipe and an axe after being accused of witchcraft. Her body was thrown from the balcony in an attempt to make her death look like a fall. The suspects believed the victim had caused the deaths and illnesses of their family members. The accused were arrested and charged with murder.

By Dooyum Dominic Ingye
Modern Ghana
27 September 2025

Location: Ghana

The NGO Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) held its first program in Niger State, in the Lapai government area. This area was chosen due to its long history of witchcraft allegations. AfAW has been closely monitoring cases there. It held a roundtable discussion as a forum for dialogue and positive action. It brought together leaders, community members and civil society to seek solutions collaboratively.

By Ghana Business News
27 September 2025

Location: Ghana

The Human Rights Select Committee of Parliament gave assurance that it will work with Parliament and members of government to reintroduce the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill. The Committee is compiling a report about its findings to present to the Speaker of Parliament and engage Ministries and stakeholders to design strategies for reintegrating survivors into their communities.

By Hadiza Musa
Daily Post
25 September 2025

Location: Nigeria

A 55 year-old-man, Adamu Mohammed, was abducted and beaten after being accused of practising sorcery by members from a neighbouring community. He was accused of causing a woman’s illness. One of the abductors took him to the chemist for treatment. Police have arrested three suspects.

By Ishola Michael
Nigerian Tribune
24 September 2025

Location: Nigeria

Bauchi State’s First Lady and Chairperson of the Bauchi State Action Committee on Gender-Based Violence, Hajiya (Dr) Aisha Bala Mohammed, has visited the 10-year-old girl who was tortured by her sister-in-law after being accused of practising witchcraft. The State First Lady expressed concerns about rising cases of gender-based violence in Nigeria. She covered the medical costs for the girl’s treatment.

By Leo Igwe
Modern Ghana
23 September 2025

Location: Zambia

In this article, Advocacy for Alleged Witches condemns the sentencing of Leonard Phiri And Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, calling it a ‘legal throwback and a miscarriage of justice’. Noting that there is no place for witch hunting in contemporary Zambia and Africa, the article calls for the case to be appealed.

See also INAWARA’s post on this matter.

By Express News Service
The New Indian Express
22 September 2025

Location: India

Chaita Singh, his wife Muni Singh and sister-in-law Tuni Singh were assaulted by villagers after accusing Chaita of practising witchcraft. The wife and sister-in-law tried to intervene and were attacked too. All were chained to a tree. Police tried to rescue the trio but were blocked by timber logs on the road; after persuading the villagers to remove the logs, the police rescued the victims. Investigations continue.

By Minakshi Karan
Argus
22 September 2025

Location: India

Residents of Malichua village allegedly attacked a youth after accusing hum of causing harm to several children and adults through alleged sorcery. They restrained him and confined him to his house. After being blocked by the angry villagers initially, the police were able to calm the crowd and rescued the youth. In critical condition, he was admitted to hospital for treatment. Police are investigating.

By DevDiscourse
22 September 2025

Location: India

A man allegedly killed his 65-year-old uncle, Ramprasad Pal. He had accused him of practising witchcraft after his eatery business had suffered financial losses. The suspect attacked the victim on his way to a temple, cutting him with a sickle. Although rushed to the hospital, he was dead on arrival. The suspect is in police custody as investigations continue.

By Kshitiz
The Times of India
22 September 2025

Location: India

Husband Awadh Kishor Gupta, aged 50, and his wife Rita Devi, aged 45, were killed by relatives who attacked them after alleging they were practising witchcraft, in part due to attributing their actions to another family member’s miscarriage. The attackers stabbed them, then shot them. Their daughter, Anshu Kumar, was also attacked with a knife. Police have arrested four suspects and Anshu is in hospital receiving treatment.

By The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights
22 September 2025

Location: Syria

In Daara province, a young man was killed after being shot by unidentified gunment. The victim had been accused of ‘practising witchcraft and sorcery’.

By Ommcom news
21 September 2025

Location: India

Chaita Singh was worshipping at home when villagers accused him of practising witchcraft that was causing villagers to become sick and die. His wife, Muni Singh, and brother-in-law Tuni Singh, tried to defend him but the mob tied all three of them to a tree where they beat them and kept them captive for 24 hours. Chaita’s nephew informed the police who, after lengthy negotiations, intervened and rescued the victims. Chaita is in hospital undergoing treatment and police are investigating further.

By Rajesh Jumar Pandey
The Times of India
21 September 2025

Location: India

Goiya Pahariya, a 60-year-old man, was accused by villagers of practising witchcraft following the death of the local village head. Two assailants tied him to a tree and beat him with sticks. He died before police could arrive. After the killing, a village meeting was held about the killing but failed to reach a resolution. The two assailants have been arrested.

By Valentia Tetteh
GBC Ghana Online
18 September 2025

Location: Ghana

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights, in collaboration with Amnesty International Ghana, went on a three-day working visit to so-called ‘witch camps’ in Ghana’s Northern region, to assess living conditions. This is part of the advocacy to ensure the speedy passage of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2025, also known as the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill. The Committee noted the many challenges facing the camp residents, including inability to care for their families and safety concerns.

By Hajara Aliyu
Channels Television
18 September 2025

Location: Nigeria

A seven-year-old girl was assaulted by her sister-in-law after she claimed that the girl had been seen amongst a group of witches. The suspect caused burn injuries to the girl’s genital area, using a heated knife. The suspect had already been told by a man that the girl was not a witch but she disagreed. Neighbours heard the girl’s cries and reported the case to the police. The girl is receiving treatment in hospital for severe burns that continue to cause her problems. Police are investigating.

By The Times of India
17 September 2025

Location: India

In a seminar discussing violence against those accused of being witches, the speakers made it clear that laws alone will not be enough to change superstitions about witchcraft. The speakers called for collective action at the community level to address ingrained negative beliefs about witches. Noting that violence continues in spite of laws being place, one speaker hoped that seminars would be held in every district to raise social awareness.

By Dev Raj
ETV Bharat
16 September 2025, updated 17 September 2025

Location: India

A number of survivors of witch hunting violence were present at a state-level consultation organised by the Nirantar Trust, Gender Resource Centre of the Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), and other organisations in the state capital. The event sought to assess the impact of the Bihar Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act, 1999 in curbing witch-hunt violence and advancing collective action to prevent violence. Bihar was India’s first state to pass such a law. The survivors had an opportunity to share their stories, as did advocates, activists, police officers and others, and survey results were shared with everyone.

By Leo Igwe
Modern Ghana
17 September 2025

Location: Nigeria

In the first event for the Advocacy for Alleged Witches in Niger State, AfAW marked the World Day Against Witch Hunts and explored how more can be done to end witch hunts in both Niger state and Nigeria as a whole. The participants remembered the victims and survivors of witch hunts and ritual attacks, noting that they are the victims of a miscarriage of justice and superstition-based infringements on their rights and freedoms.

By Natalia Pena
Breaking News.ie
17 September 2025

Location: High seas, Spain

Fifty Senegalese migrants have allegedly been tortured and thrown overboard after being accused of witchcraft. Apparently, people smugglers in charge of the wooden boat accused some of the passengers of being witches after the boat experienced engine problems and the food supplies began to run out. At least 50 people had disappeared amidst talk of murders, wounding and torture - out of an estimated 300 passengers who boarded the boat, only 248 made it to the shore. Spanish police have detained 19 suspects in the Gran Canarias and they are facing judicial investigation.

By Agnes Nworie
The Point
15 September 2025

Location: Nigeria

The NGO Advocacy for Alleged Witches held a roundtable discussion in Abakaliki at which many survivors told stories of their harrowing experiences of being accused of practising witchcraft to cause others harm. It was noted that youths are often the executioners and fail to listen to their elders, stakeholders or even the traditional rulers. The NGO demands that the violence stop.

By Eric Biegon
KBC
12 September 2025

Location: Kenya

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said that the recent killings of elderly people in the Gusii region is about land disputes and who will inherit the land. He outright dismisses claims of witchcraft, stating that these are used as ‘mere cover-ups’ for the land disputes. He notes that many of the victims are targeted by relatives who want to inherit the family land prematurely. The Ministry of Lands is working actively on ways to expedite succession processes, avoid land fragmentation in the coming decades and create an Affordable Housing Programme to ensure people have access to land and places to live

[Note: Link may be slow to open]

By Editorji News Desk
Editorji
12 September 2025

Location: India

Two women in their early 50s and a 73-year-old man were assaulted by a mob over allegations of witchcraft. The attack gained public attention only after a video of it began to circulate on social media. The incident happened following a funeral, the two women being accused of performing occult practices near the pyre. A police team was quickly dispatched upon learning of the incident and successfully rescued the three people from the aggressive crowd.

By Hilda Wayne
ABC Pacific
11 September 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

The death of a prominent businessman, Jacob Luke, whose body was found in bushes near his Engan home, sparked a terrible level of violence. About a dozen women were rounded up by a mob, tortured and four of them died. The board president of Advancing PNG Leaders Network, Ruth Kissim, is fighting to end sorcery accusation-relation violence and this is her story.

By Times News Network
The Times of India
11 September 2025

Location: India

Dharmdev Oraon was murdered in his home after a mob accused him of practising witchcraft and black magic when a villager fell ill and died in their village. His wife has lodged a case with the police against 45 people whom she claims assailed her husband. Three people have been detailed for questioning by police.

By Bobby Macumber
ABC Pacific
10 September 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

Human rights activist Monica Paulus is the co-founder of both the Highlands Women Human Rights Defenders Network and Stop Sorcery Violence. She is a protector of women accused of and affected by sorcery and witchcraft accusations. This is the story of Monica’s life and experiences in fighting sorcery accusation-related violence.

By Manny Moreno
The Wild Hunt
09 September 2025

Location: USA

A business owner was attacked in his shop in an alleged hate-motivated assault targeting his spiritual practice. A customer who lingered awhile launched into a brutal physical attack on the owner, stomping on his back, kneeing the victim and shouting anti-witch slurs like ‘Kill all the witches’ and ‘All witches must die’. The victim suffered a range of physical injuries. The local community has been supportive and the event remains under investigation.

By Prabhat Kumar Jha
The Himalayan Times
08 September 2025

Location: Nepal

Susheela Devi Baniya, a 55-year-old woman, was brutally assaulted, had her head shaved and was made to eat human waste after being accused of practising witchcraft. The accusation followed the death of a 37-year-old neighbour who fell ill and died while being taken to hospital. Those who attacked her fled and police are looking for them.

By Kshitiz
The Times of India
07 September 2025

Location: India

Mehroon Khatun, a 60-year-old woman was attacked by a group of people who held a grudge against her and accused her of practising witchcraft. She had gone out to tie her goats near her house and the mob attacked her with knives, stabbing her many times. She died at the spot of her attack. The attackers fled and the police are taking further action.

[Image is depiction, not actual victim]

By Express News Service
The New Indian Express
06 September 2025

Location: India

The police are investigating three witchcraft-related murders in the Lanjigarhj block. All have occurred within the last month. In one case, a 40 year-old-man, Sandu Majhi, had gone to repair his bicycle but failed to return home. His wife filed a missing persons report and police used a sniffer dog to locate his body dumped in a nearby forest. He has been stabbed to death after being challenged for allegedly practising witchcraft. Police have arrested a number of suspects.

By Statesman News Service
06 September 2025

Location: India

Seventy-five-year-old Lakshmi Hembram was suspected of practising witchcraft by locals in her village, after they experienced fever for a few days. She lived alone and the carer engaged by her relatives to look after her told villagers she had been practising witchcraft. Four youths dragged her out of her house, beat her with bamboo and slit her throat. They dumped her body in a local pond. The four youths have been arrested.

By Press Trust of India
NDTV news
05 September

Location: India

Fifty seven year-old Baboolal Kharwar and his 52-year-old wife, Rajwanti, were at home when villagers forced their way inside and accused the couple of performing witchcraft. Rajwanti was killed and her husband went to hospital having sustained serious injuries. Police have arrested a suspect.

By Miriam Zarriga
Post-Courier
04 September

Location: Papua New Guinea

There has been a rise in sorcery allegations in Port Moresby, against elderly residents in settlement communities on the city’s outskirts. An elderly man was allegedly tortured. After getting away to seek refuge, young boys chased him with bushknives. The residents called the police and the victim was treated for his injuries. Investigations are ongoing.

By Staff Writer
Fiji Sun
05 September 2025

Location: Fiji

A mother, grandparents and two children were found dead in the Nausori Highlands. The children’s father blamed the deaths on witchcraft and said that witchcraft had also separated him from his wife.

By Matt Sedensky
Independent
02 September 2025

Location: Africa

In some parts of Africa, being elderly can be a precursor to being accused of witchcraft. Overwhelmingly, the victims are older people, many of whom have dementia or or live alone. This article provides a snapshot of the problem of witchcraft accusations in Africa and how these all to often lead to beatings, banishment and even death.

By Julia Guggenheim and Damien Koffi
France24
29 August 2025

Location: Ghana

A video story about women accused of witchcraft, rejected by their families and communities and forced to seek refuge in so-called ‘witch camps’. The living conditions are harsh. Many women are accused because they are elderly and have nobody to stand up for them. there is a pressing need to criminalise accusations of witchcraft.

By Dayo Oyewo
Punch
29 August 2025

Location: Nigeria

Magajiya Ado, aged 50, was accused by her son and accomplices of practising witchcraft. She was beaten with heavy sticks until she fell unconscious. Rushed to hospital, she died during treatment. The police have arrested her 25-year-old son for killing his mother.

By Kapil Dixit
The Times of India
29 August 2025

Location: India

A 55-year-old man allegedly killed and dismembered his grandnephew after claiming his family was under attack from supernatural forces following the suicides of both his son and daughter. He believed his sister-in-law and mother-in-law were practising witchcraft against his family. He was also advised by an occultist that this horrific act would bring him peace. He was arrested and the police are still looking for the occultist.

By Kshitiz
The Times of India
27 August 2025

Location: India

Gaya Manjhi and his wife Samudri (50) were thrashed, had their heads shaved and faces smeared with lime and were then made to wear garlands of shoes before being paraded across the village. This followed a disruption to music being played during a birth ceremony, which the villagers considered inauspicious. They accused the woman of practising witchcraft and her husband defended her. The mob tried to burn the couple alive and the husband died. Seventeen people were arrested.

By Hannah Johnson
The Punch
26 August 2025

Location: Nigeria

As a two-year-old, Hope’s parents branded him a witch and abandoned him on the streets. Deaf, he was left to fend for himself. Danish aid worker Anja Ringgren Lovén rescued him and took him to the Children’s Education and Development Foundation, where he soon began to thrive. Now he is able to communicate using sign language and has just graduated high school with one of the highest grades in his class.

[Image is depiction, not actual person in this story]

By Grace Salmang
Post-Courier
25 August 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

At the launch of No One Should Stand Alone: Towards a Unified Response to Sorcery Accusation Related Violence, attendees were told about the devastating effects of SARV. It was noted that elderly women without sons and suffering from a disability are often targets of this violence, and that while both men and women are victims of SARV, women are more likely to be its victims.

By Post-Courier Online
25 August 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

PNG Tribal Foundation continues to feed survivors of SARV who have been displaced from their traditional land, homes, food gardens and livestock. The Foundation also assists police operations into investigations of perpetrators.

By SABC News
25 August 2025

Location: South Africa

Mimie Modise, a 58-year-old woman from Kimberley, was severely assaulted and killed by members of her community last month after being falsely accused of practising witchcraft. Traumatised by her murder, her family explained that she had suffered from dementia and had gone missing. They are demanding justice.

By The Times of India
25 August 2025

Location: India

A 75-year-old woman, Singo Kisku, was attacked by a man from her same village. He allegedly called her a ‘witch’ and used a sharp weapon to kill her. Her nephew told reporters that she was a widow living on her own. Police are still investigating whether this is a witch hunt case.

By Ommcom News
22 August 2025

Location: India

A 60-year-old woman, Jayadhan Mandangi, was sleeping alone at home when a group of youths attacked her. They suspected her of witchcraft and stabbed her to death on this suspicion. Police are investigating and there is a call for making people more aware of the dangers of superstition.

By News24Online
22 August 2025

Location: South Africa

A 76-year-old woman, Busi Letta Maseko, was threatened with being burned alive when residents saw her wandering the streets at night. They accused her of being a witch. The mob proceeded to beat her to death. Her distraught family were especially devastated as they had already informed neighbours that she had dementia in the hope people would return her home safely if she wandered.

By Leo Igwe
Modern Ghana
21 August 2025

Location: Ghana

Leaders and representatives of state and non-state agencies attended a stakeholders’ meeting on witch hunts and ritual attacks in Ekiti state. The advocacy group Advocacy for Alleged Witches sponsored the event to help build a critical mass of advocates in cities and communities. The vision is help make witch hunts and ritual attacks history in Africa by 2030.

By Christian Appleton
GNN Liberia
21 August 2025

Location: Liberia

A 77-year-old woman, Josephine Sieh, was brutally attacked by a mob who accused her of practising witchcraft. This occurred following the unexpected illness and death of the daughter of the General Town Chief. The child’s death caused suspicion and fear among the town’s residents and they took the victim to a witch doctor and accused her of witchcraft. Five people have been arrested so far.

By Anchita Ghosh
The Times of India
21 August 2025

Location: India

After the terrible incident in which at least 50 people allegedly set a family of five ablaze, claiming they were practising ‘witchcraft’, there is much soul-searching to be done as to why this grim pattern continues to recur. In areas where healthcare and education are limited or inaccessible, accusations of ‘witchcraft’ and ‘black magic’ are all too common. This article discusses what police, government agencies, psychologists, NGOs and others are trying to do to stop these terrible human rights abuses and spread awareness.

By Catherine Hunter
The National
20 August 2025

Location: Scotland

Victims of the Scottish Witch Trials may get a memorial soon in West Dunbartonshire. The Council is considering a motion to Remember the Accused Witches of West Dunbartonshire to pay tribute to the women and men accused of being a witch in the local authority area. The Scottish charity Remembering the Accused Witches of Scotland hopes to work with the council to teach the stories and history of accused witches in schools and libraries.

By Leo Igwe
Modern Ghana
20 August 2025

Location: Ghana

In the state of Ebonyi, a man was banished from his community when they accused him of witchcraft. The accused man recounts his experience, how banishment has impacted him and his family, speaking from the village where he is taking refuge.

By Express News Service
The New Indian Press
18 August 2025

Location: India

Ramarao Jilakara, a 40-year-old man, was accused by villagers of practising witchcraft after a villager died from an illness. A group of villagers tied him to an electricity pole in the village square. They assaulted him, then made him swallow poison. After he died, they set his body on fire and went on to threaten his family members if they said anything. Police have arrested at least 13 people.

By WACSI
WACSI
18 August 2025

Location: Ghana

A women-led civil society group in northern Ghana has mobilised over GHC 100,000 (approx. USD 10,000) in cash and in-kind contributions to restore dignity to elderly women cast out of their communities over witchcraft accusations.

Contributions have come from local communities, food vendors, small business owners, faith-based organisations and Ghanaians in the diaspora. With this support, the women are able to rebuild their lives, ensure education for their children and grandchildren, and inspire a wider community movement for dignity and justice in the country.

By Leo Igwe
Modern Ghana
17 August 2025

Location: Ghana

This article is about a forthcoming forum in Ekiti State about human rights abuses linked to witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks. As well as discussing the upcoming forum, this article provides a recent overview of cases reported in Ghana’s media relating to these human rights abuses.

By Agenzia Fides
12 August 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

The Catholic community in PNG is aiming to assist pastoral workers to stop the occurrence of sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV). Anton Bal, the Archbishop of Madang, gave a speech to catechists across 22 parishes at a summer camp, raising awareness of what is happening and what needs to be done to curb these human rights abuses. He stressed the importance of accessing medical and police records to confirm the real causes of death and avoid unfounded suspicions.

By The Times of India
11 August 2025

Location: India

Four people allegedly killed a couple, Salgi Barjo (67) and Budhwa Barjo (72), over accusations that they were practising black magic. They have been held in the Gudri police station in West Singhbhum, with the minor suspect held in a juvenile home. The body of Salgi was recovered but police were still searching for that of her husband. Police were tipped off on the location of the accused.

By Post-Courier
11 August 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

On the International Day Against Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) (10 August), the Catholic Church in Enga has called for every Papua New Guinean to ‘rise up and combat sorcery accusations related violence - the evil that is destroying the country’. The head of the Wabag Catholic diocese, Bishop Justin Soongie, said that sorcery accusations lack any evidence, that life is sacred and nobody has a right to take the life of another person. He made it clear that ‘sorcery is not a justification for violence’. The level of SARV in Enga is high.

By HT News Desk
Hindustan Times
11 August 2025

Location: India

60-year-old Bhavi Singh was attacked from behind with a sharp-edged weapon known as a ‘gowli’. Allegedly her relatives, they had accused her of being a ‘witch’. She was on her way to collect her pension when they attacked, cutting her throat open, then leaving her body in a local forest. Family members had been accusing of her of being a ‘witch’ for many years and it appears this was part of a long-running feud. Her husband said he had raised the concern at a village meeting before but nothing had been done. Three suspects have been arrested.

By PC Online Contributor
Post Courier
11 August 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

International Day Against Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (also known as the World Day Against Witch Hunts) was commemorated in Kundiawa town with a protest, led by Fr./Dr. Jan Jaworski.

The demonstration sought to raise awareness about SARV and to advocate for protecting its victims, stopping the practice of blaming people for sorcery and to ‘mature’ as the country nears its fiftieth year of Independence.

By Simbarashe Sithole
The Standard
10 August 2025

Location: Zimbabwe

A man who severely assaulted his elderly neighbour after accusing her of bewitching his mother has been sentenced to one year in jail, with four months suspended on condition of good behaviour. Thomas Sithole had beaten the victim on her back, buttocks and thighs and only stopped when she could no longer walk.

By Myjoyonline.com
10 August 2025

Location: Ghana

In a show of unity with the global community on World Day Against Witch Hunts, the Human Rights Committee of Ghana’s parliament called for urgent action to protect victims of witchcraft accusations. The Committee also expressed its optimism that the government will pass the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill currently before parliament.

By Zimbabwe Situation
10 August 2025

Location: Zimbabwe

An enraged Thomas Sithole entered his neighbour’s house and accused the 70-year-old neighbour of bewitching his mother. He beat the accused woman on the back, buttocks and thighs. When she was no longer able to walk, he finally stopped. He was sentenced to a year of imprisonment.

By Danielle Greyman-Kennard
The Jerusalem Post
08 August 2025

Location: India

An outraged mob insisted that members of a family had been practising witchcraft and caused the untimely death of a person. This story relates what the neighbours witnessed and the fact that while four people have been arrested thus far, the ringleader and others, including an exorcist, are still being sought by police. The article further details that 2,500 people, mostly women, have been murdered following an accusation of witchcraft in India during the period 2000-2016.

Scroll below for more articles about this shocking incident.

By Press Trust of India
NDTV.com India news
07 August 20205

Location: India

A man named Karunakar, known for prescribing ayurvedic-like medicines to villagers, was allegedly killed by a group of villagers and buried in a forest after being suspected of practising witchcraft. This followed him prescribing herbal remedies to a 12-year-old boy who had been bitten by a dog, who died a few days later. His body was recovered, and the police are interrogating eight detainees.

By P. Sridhar
The Hindu
07 August 2025

Location: India

In Adivasi, a 35-year-old man, Gutti Koya, was allegedly beaten to death by members of his own community after being branded a ‘sorcerer’ who had caused a local woman’s death. The police are searching for the attackers.

By Sahara Reporters
06 August 2025

Location: Nigeria

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has debunked viral social media claims that a 97-year-old man in Delta State turned from a bird into a human. It stated clearly that the elderly man, Diokpa Okonkwo Oru, was suffering from dementia. This is another example of social media sparking outrage over superstitious claims with no basis at all.

By PTI
The Print
05 August, 2025

Location: India

A 60-year-old man, Raghu Patra was killed after allegedly being accused of practising sorcery in Odisha’s Kalahandi district. His body was found lying on rail tracks in a neighbouring district. With the help of sniffer dogs, two suspects were found and arrested for the murder.

By Kelvin Ololo
CrossRiverWatch
04 August 2025

Location: Nigeria

A man, Ojah Sunday Ojah, was accused of allegedly practising witchcraft and placing of juju (charm) on the floor for someone to step on. He was beaten with sticks until he fell unconscious. He received treatment in hospital. A community declared curfew on bushy hairstyles is also affecting the community’s morale.

By Express News Service
04 August 2025

Location: India

A 37-year-old man, Gopal Mallik, was tortured and murdered as a result of being accused of practising witchcraft at Rataguda village, which they claimed had caused the death of a woman in the same village. The villagers beat the victim until he fell unconscious, they cut off his genitals, cut his abdomen open and hacked him to death. Upon recovery of his body from a local dam, the police found it was also missing organs The accused were arrested and were due to appear in court.

By Geeta Pandey and Mohammad Sartaj Alam
BBC
03 August 2025

Location: India

After three weeks since five members of one family were allegedly burned alive following accusations of practising witchcraft, the survivors and family members are left with coming to terms with this horrific tragedy.

By National Secular Society
01 August 2025

Location: UK

The creators of the film Kindoki Witch Boy say that greater understanding through raising awareness about accusations of witchcraft are key to safeguarding children and stopping spiritual abuse in the UK. There is also a need to address the vested financial interests for pastors who undertake ‘exorcisms, as well as church practices that legitimise this practice.

By Jisu Ketan Pattanaik and Sumit Kumar Singh
The Hindu
01 August 2025

Location: India

Allegations that someone is practising witchcraft are being put to new-found uses to harm and punish those most vulnerable in Indian society - those widowed, elderly, single or otherwise socially isolated. The article discusses how women continue to be harassed, ostracised and killed as a result of being accused of witchcraft.

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By Sentinel Digital Desk
The Sentinel
01 August 2025

Location: India

An awareness meeting was held to raise awareness that superstition has no place in a progressive society and that witch hunting is unacceptable. The meeting was preceded by a public rally to raise awareness against human trafficking and witch hunting, and to educate communities about the consequences of these human rights abuses.

By RNZ
01 August 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner David Manning ordered that eight people accused of the torture and murder of Rosa Yakapus be re-arrested, and further asked that the community stop hiding suspects.

By Ommcom News
01 August 2025

Location: India

A local court in Malkangiri sentenced five individuals to life imprisonment for brutally murdering a man over suspected witchcraft in 2020. They had tied the husband and wife to a tamarind tree to hold a village trial over sorcery accusations. They were beaten, then released. But two days later, the five accused took the couple to a nearby forest, dousing the husband Mukunda in kerosene and burning him alive in front of his wife Manguli.

By PostCourierOnline
Post Courier
31 July 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

Around 15 suspects whose actions caused the death of a policeman in Jiwaka Province, destruction of nine houses, two trade stores, a coffee garden and livestock following an accusation of sorcery against the policeman are still at large. They are living in communities and the investigations to find them continues.

By Sentinel Digital Desk
The Sentinel
30 July 2025

Location: India

The District Administration of Kokrajhar, in collaboration with the District Social Welfare Office, held a district-level awareness campaign to combat witch-hunting and human trafficking, both critical social challenges faced by the region. This was held in observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and brought together key stakeholders. They spoke about the need to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals, especially women and children, and explored the need for awareness, policy enforcement and inter-departmental cooperation.

By Cyril Chaves
GMA Regional TV
29 July 2025

Location: Philippines

In Kibawe, a 37-year-old man killed a 75-year-old woman after accusing her of being a ‘mambabarang’ or witch whom he claimed had placed him under spells. The suspect allegedly beat the woman with a coconut palm stalk, then set her on fire using stalks, husks and leaves. It was reported to authorities the following day and the suspect faces murder charges.

By Sentinel Digital Desk
The Sentinel
29 July 2025

Location: India

The Laharighat ICDS Project Office at the Kushtoli Gaon Panchayat Office organised an awareness program on human trafficking and witch hunting as part of a state-wide campaign by the government to combat rising cases of human trafficking and witch-hunting.

By Michèle Eken
Amnesty International
29 July 2025

Location: Ghana

Most women accused of practising witchcraft in Ghana are older women. Family members avoid them, while it is also too often the case that family members were those accusing the women of witchcraft. Often ‘soothsayers’ are involved in diagnosing malevolent intent, scapegoated for the real reasons lying behind accusations - a lack of resources and illnesses. The majority of accused women end up in camps run by traditional priests, adrift from family and community. Over 500 women are in the camps, in need of help, food and clean water.  

By Express News Service
The New Indian Express
28 July 2025

Location: India

A 59-year-old man, K Panchanan, was accused of practising sorcery after a young girl in the village fell ill and was treated by a village quack. Living alone and following goddess worship practices, the girl’s family accused him of using witchcraft. He was tied up and beaten. Village elders intervened and he was released. He reported the attack to the police, who took him to hospital to recover. Four people have been detained for allegedly torturing him.

By Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra
Odishatv.in
27 July 2025

Location: India

A youth, K. Panchanan was tied up and brutally assaulted by villagers after they accused him of practising witchcraft and causing a woman to fall seriously ill and needing hospitalisation. Her family suspected ‘black magic’ was involved when doctors could not diagnose her condition. This serious human rights violation reveals another incident fuelled by superstitious beliefs.

By Salil Tiwari
Law Beat
27 July 2025

Location: India

The Calcutta High Court commuted the death sentence of Radha Kanta Bera to life imprisonment, citing his mental heath issues and socio-economic circumstances. In 2017, he had attacked and beheaded his 65-year-old grandmother after accusing her of being a witch.

By Dee Lukasik
Kent Online
27 July 2025

Location: UK

Around 500 people have signed a petition for a memorial to six women executed nearly 400 years ago for witchcraft. Anne Ashby, Anne Martyn, Mary Browne, Mildred Wright, Anne Wilson, and Mary Read were hanged in 1652 following a major trial. Councillor Claire Kehily is spearheading the campaign for the memorial to be placed in the town centre, stating that ‘They weren’t witches. They were single or widowed, some likely midwives or healers, who had no one to speak for them. They were executed for being women’.

By Poonam Masih
Twocircles.net
26 July 2025

Location: India

Across India’s tribal villages, women continue to be hunted and killed as witches, while families watch in silence, fear or grief. A survivor of a witchcraft accusation herself, social activist Chutni Mahato now visits many villages to educate people. She says that ‘Branding women as witches should never be part of our culture. But even after years of effort, women still come to me with their pain’.

By Veep
Ghanaian Times
24 July 2025

Location: Ghana

 The Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has pledged support for the passage of the Anti-Witchcraft Bill to help tackle accusations and abuse lev­elled against women. She has made it clear that witchcraft accusations and the existence of so-called ‘witch camps’ (a misnomer) is a national crisis in need of urgent attention.

By Peacefmonline.com
24 July 2025

Location: Ghana

The government will introduce a new Anti-Witchcraft Accusation Bill after the earlier one passed by the eighth Parliament had expired with the life of the previous Parliament without a Presidential assent. MPs sponsoring the bill are seeking for it to be passed under a certificate of urgency.

(Image is a depiction and does not show real persons)

By Becca Milfeld
Wyoming News Now
24 July 2025

Location: Gambia

Hundreds of people, many elderly women, were accused of practising witchcraft during the dictatorship of Yahya Jammeh in the years 2008-2009. And although this is many years ago now, the victims have long-lasting psychological and social scars that continue to endure, affecting the victims, their families and their communities.

By Marion Kithi
The Standard
23 July 2025

Location: Kenya

Following ‘mysterious’ deaths in the local neighbourhood, an elderly man Mr Baraza Kitsao, was attacked and hacked to death in Mwenge village, suspected by the attackers of engaging in witchcraft. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Patrick Meso, condemned the attacks and those responsible had not been caught. This took place in an area where many people do not have title deeds to their land, which has resulted in many elderly people being targeted as witches, in order to get the land.

Note: News site may be slow to open.

By IndieTodayNE
India Today
22 July 2025

Location: India

Almost one decade after the terrible case of witch-hunting in Assam’s Biswanath district, four individuals have been sentenced to life imprisonment for brutally murdering an elderly woman in 2015 after a mob had branded her as a ‘witch’.

By Deccan Herald
22 July 2025

Location: India

A sixty-year-old widow was assaulted by a group of villagers in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district for allegedly practising witchcraft. The villagers called a witch doctor (‘ojha’) who branded the woman as a ‘witch’ and forced her to eat herbs and admit she was practising witchcraft. Her head was shaved and she was paraded in the village. On informing the police, she said that they were after her property.

By Leo Igwe
The Nation
21 July 2025

Location: Nigeria

A call to make witch hunting history, to have ‘Africans reorient their minds and end the trial and persecution of alleged witches’. The Kano convention is a chance to recall failures and missteps that caused and sustain this menace and stress the duty to put a stop to this miscarriage of justice right here and now.

By Postcourieronline
17 July 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

A suspect who was allegedly involved in the torture of an elderly man and setting fire to houses after accusing him of practising witchcraft has been re-arrested after being let out on bail. He had failed to appear in court for several months despite being arrested and charged. Tribal Foundation has been funding the re-arrest of several perpetrators let out on bail, including those who should not have been given bail.

By Mbale
The Hindu
17 July 2025

Location: Africa

This article presents an insightful overview of the murky interface between witch doctors and politicians, superstitions over evil spells, spiritual warfare amongst politicians, and the problems arising when vehement spiritual beliefs get mixed with politics in various African countries.

By Mohammed Fugu
Graphic Online
15 July 2025

Location: Ghana

A 70-year-old woman, Noab Bilatukin, was accused of witchcraft and killed. Suspects allegedly accused the deceased of casting spells in the community of Sangbaban, a farming district. After accusing her, they attacked and violently lynched her, then fled the scene. Four suspects have been arrested, others are on the run.

By Richard Ewart
ABC Pacific Beat
14 July 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

The Catholic Bishop of Mendi, Don Lippert, warns that violence linked to witchcraft accusations is rising in Papua New Guinea, condemning political leaders for inaction. Following brutal killings of a woman and a man accused of witchcraft - videos of which sparked outrage on social media - he criticises the lack of justice, as most perpetrators go unpunished. Discover why urgent action is needed to end this violence.

(5-minute audio)

By Aly Abich
Citizen Digital
14 July 2025

Location: Kenya

Tensions soared in Nyawalongo village after a mob torched a family’s home, accusing them of witchcraft following the mysterious disappearance of a five-year-old boy. The villagers, angry over the suspect’s statements during the search, set fire to four houses, including those of his wives and children.

By Ruby Sadikman
The Jerusalem Post
13 July 2025

Location: India

Five members of a family were murdered in the Purnea district of Bihar. eastern India. They had been accused of practising witchcraft and causing various deaths in the local village of Tetgama. They had been attacked in their family home by over 50 villagers, who beat them, burned them to death, then buried them in a pond. At the time of reporting, police had arrested three people.

By The National
11 July 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

Seventeen men have been arrested in Veraibaru for allegedly killing four elderly men they accused of practising sorcery in their village. A mediation was held in the village during which the accused ‘admitted’ to practising sorcery. There was an outburst of community anger, six community-based constables were overpowered and police had no fuel to reach the village quickly. The police have since taken the suspects into custody.

By Iniabasi Umo
Daily Trust
11 July 2025

Location: Uyo, Nigeria

The Akwa Ibom State High Court has sentenced a 29-year-old man, Akaninyene Thomas Okpon, to death by hanging for the murder of his elder brother, Friday Thomas Enyenokpon, whom he accused of witchcraft and of being responsible for Akaninyene’s misfortunes.

Please see INWARA’s Statement on the Use of the Death Penalty.

By Andrew Mathieson
National Indigenous Times
11 July 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

In Hela province, a mother of six children was after being accused of 'sorcery' in the New Guinea Highlands. Some accused her of being responsible for her husband’s death. His immediate family allegedly tortured her by tying her to a post and repeatedly burning over two nights. They later shot her dead.

By Adam Hartman
Namibian Sun
11 July 2025

Location: Namibia

A Namibian human rights activist urges urgent reform of the 91-year-old witchcraft law, which he says fails to protect vulnerable people from stigma, violence and exploitation. Berrie Holtzhausen highlights that outdated laws turn accusations into tools of violence and economic abuse, especially targeting the elderly, those with dementia, and persons with disabilities. Read on to see why reform is crucial to protect human rights and end witchcraft accusation-related violence.

By Doreen Ajiambo
OSV News
10 July 2025

Location: Kenya

The elderly, and especially widows, are often targeted by a wave of violence fuelled by superstition and greed. They are attacked, displaced and even killed as a result of being accused of witchcraft. This is often done to take their land and goods. It is a form of gender-based violence that targets vulnerable women under the guise of tradition. Over 160 people are dead and thousands displaced as a result of this wave of violence.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
Front Page Africa
09 July 2025

Location: Liberia

After a woman and her child died, several men, including minors, were accused of witchcraft. They were brutally tortured in Sinoe County, beaten with coconuts, cutlasses, sticks and rocks. One of the victims was reported to have died from the injuries six days later. A video was made of the incident but at the time of reporting, arrests had yet to be made.

By Cynthia Goba
09 July 2025
My Zimbabwe

Location: Zimbabwe

A self-proclaimed prophet was arrested in Harare for the alleged ritual killing of a 12-year-old boy, whose mutilated body, with a pair of scissors lodged in his neck and his scrotum cut open, was discovered in a nearby yard. The suspect reportedly confessed to selling the boy's private parts for ritual purposes.

By Kshitiz
The Times of India
08 July 2025

Location: India

Five members of a family were killed in a suspected witch hunting case, with around 50 villagers mob attacking the family and burning them alive. This story is told by the sole survivor, 15 year-old Sonu.

(Image is a depiction, not a real person.)

By ABC
Pacific Beat
08 July 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape has announced that witnesses to so-called sorcery killings will soon be prosecuted alongside perpetrators. This will include those who post images of the crimes on social media. This follows the death of a 45-year-old woman, Rosa Yakapus, who was tortured and shot after being accused of using witchcraft to kill her husband, and the video of this horrendous incident was posted online.

By Miriam Zarriga
Post-Courier
07 July 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

Rosa Yakapus, a 45-year-old mother of five children, was tortured and the following day, shot point blank on Wage Bridge in Magarima, Hela Province. After the death of her husband, she was accused by the attackers of practising sorcery (sanguma). Hela Police Commander stated: “These are not cultural beliefs - they are abominations. Murder is murder, no matter your so-called “beliefs”. Police will use all available resources to bring these individuals to justice.’

By CBS/AFP
CBS News
02 July 2025

Location: Burundi

A militia in Burundi accused six people of practising witchcraft. The militia members burned victims alive, stoned them and some were beaten. Witnesses spoke about the accusations as having been made by members of the ruling party's powerful youth movement, known as the Imbonerakure. The provincial governor has denounced the ‘unacceptable mob violence’ and 12 people have been arrested over the incident.

By Natasha Philip
The Post-Courier
01 July 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

Leaders from the Christian community came together at the Melanesian Institute for the Church Advocacy Workshop to discuss the ongoing issue of sorcery accusation-related violence and called for justice, healing and long-term change. The workshop aimed to be a platform to encourage unity, resilience and constructive dialogue ahead of the nation’s 50th Independence anniversary.

By Scott Waide
RNZ
25 June 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

Angela Apa heads an organisation called Kup Women for Peace (KWP),an organisation seeking change in Papua New Guinea's Simbu Province. KWP serves as a beacon of hope for women survivors of sorcery accusation-related violence and tribal conflicts. Since 2000, it has rescued over 200 women survivors. In this article featuring Angela, she talks about how violence affects the whole community and KWP’s strong rapid response systems to address violence related to social accusations.

By News Ghana
21 June 2025

Location: Ghana

Fourteen community members were detained, including a local regent, for allegedly attacked a 70-year-old man. The victim was blamed for two recent deaths in the area. Police again warned against people taking extrajudicial actions and the need to use proper legal channels to resolve disputes.

By Aseneth Waide
PNG Haus Bung
20 June 2025

Location: India

The lack of death certificates and proper medical records is a major cause of misunderstandings about the real causes of deaths. This can result in claims of sorcery, leading in some cases to the death of those accused. Medical knowledge is crucial to break the cycle of violence.

By Post-Courier Contributor
Post-Courier
19 June 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

Discover the inspiring efforts of Caritas Simbu in their fight against violence and their commitment to building peace and hope in communities. This uplifting story highlights how compassion, faith and community action can bring positive change, empowering people to create safer, more hopeful futures. An inspiring journey of resilience and the power of collective kindness.

By Elizaveta Chukharova
OC Media
19 June 2025

Location: Chechnya

This news story sheds light on the troubling case of a woman in Chechnya publicly accused of witchcraft, the third woman in in several months to be subjected to televised ‘re-education’. The TV presenter said that ‘the republic’s leadership will not stop until the number of witches approaches zero’, highlighting a worrying trend.

By The Times in India
18 June 2025

Location: India

After several family members kept falling ill, the father-in-law of 35 year-old Mogro Munda accused her of practising sorcery. He and other family members hired contract killers who murdered her. Police arrested the father-in-law, other family members, and the contract killers.

By Ntombikayise Letlepo
Benoni City Times
18 June 2025

Location: South Africa

An elderly woman with dementia wandered away from home late and night and was reportedly accused of witchcraft. She was killed and an inquest has been opened to determine what happened to her.

By Farhiya Hussein
The Eastleigh Voice
16 June 2025

Location: Kenya

This story discusses the alarming rise in elder murders along Kenya's coast, driven by harmful beliefs. As part of Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a coastal human rights group is fighting what they call a ‘silent crisis fueled by harmful beliefs and neglect’, with at least 89 older people in Kifili and Kwale counties murdered between 2023 and 2025, often resulting from witchcraft accusations.

By Dr Hana Saada
Dzair Tube
14 June 2025

Location: Algeria

This tragic incident highlights how societal ignorance and misinformation can lead to dangerous moral lynching. The victim, reciting Qur’anic verses in French due to language barriers, was falsely accused of practising witchcraft—an accusation rooted in misunderstanding. Her actions were misconstrued, fuelling false portrayals and verbal abuse, which escalated into cyber harassment and public defamation. Such cases exemplify the peril of misinformation and the destructive power of social cruelty, where innocent individuals are unjustly persecuted based on fear and ignorance. Authorities condemned the violence and have begun legal proceedings against those responsible.

By Pinak Pani Chowdhury
Millennium Post
14 June 2025

Location: India

This distressing incident from South Dinajpur highlights the dangerous consequences of superstition and mob justice. Four members of a family were violently attacked and subjected to inhumane treatment after false accusations of witchcraft, fuelled by fear and misinformation. The story underscores the urgent need to protect individuals from violence rooted in superstition and to promote awareness of human rights and justice.

By RNZ Pacific
13 June 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

Exciting developments are underway in Bougainville as the legal department works towards establishing a dedicated policy to address sorcery-related violence. This proactive initiative reflects a commitment to promoting justice, safety and social harmony within the community. By tackling this complex issue head-on, Bougainville is taking meaningful steps toward protecting its people and fostering a more peaceful future.

By Shubhomoy Sikdar
The Hindu
12 June 2025

Location: India

Twenty-one individuals were booked for brutally assaulting and stripping three men over witchcraft allegations in Raipur.

By Yerlan Iskakov
Kursiv Media
09 June 2025

Location: Central Asia

Recent events dispel any notions that witchcraft accusations are behind us. In Tajikistan, for example, four women were detailed in late May on charges of fortune-telling and sorcery. They face penalties under the country’s Code of Administrative Offenses for witchcraft and fortune-telling.

By The Times of India
09 June 2025

Location: India

Two people were arrested in Daltonganj for orchestrating the murder of a 55 year-old woman. Bimla Devi was shot in her sleep at her house as her husband slept. He woke up to see his wife in her dying moments. Another villager had hired a contract killer as he suspected she had been practising witchcraft. The accuser and some of the killers were arrested.

By Doreen Ajiambo
Global Sisters Report
09 June 2025

Location: Kenya

This is one story in the Global Sisters Report's yearlong series, "Out of the Shadows: Confronting Violence Against Women. It looks at how Catholic sisters are responding to the global phenomenon of witchcraft accusations. This one looks at how older people, especially widows, are affected by witchcraft accusations on the coastal region of Kenya.

By R. Caycee
Daily Observer
06 June 2025

Location: Liberia

In the slums of Monrovia, a young girl was dragged from her home after accusations made by a self-proclaimed pastor that she was a witch. She was humiliated and terrorised by mob violence until she confessed - from a need to survive. Online commentators made it worse by spreading the ‘confession’ video online.

By TNN
The Times of India
06 June 2025

Location: India

A 65-year old woman was shot dead by a man with a prolonged illness, which he blamed on her practising witchcraft. Onlookers grabbed him after the incident and turned him over to the police.

By Elizaveta Chukharova
OC Media
03 June 2025

Location: Chechnya

In Chechnya, 70-year-old Alkan Tsukaeva has been suspected of practising the occult. Her home was searched, and items believed to be linked to magical practices - candles, alcohol (despite a ban), notebooks with Arabic and Cyrillic writing, and symbols - were confiscated. While Tsukaeva explained that she is a seamstress selling accessories, the authorities claimed her behaviour and possessions suggested otherwise. Her son told reporters that she had previously received psychiatric treatment. The campaign against occult practices in Chechnya has involved mass detentions, coerced confessions and public apologies, often under duress. State media frequently shows detainees’ forced confessions and acts of public repentance.

(Image is depiction and not a photo of actual person involved in story)

By GNA
02 June 2025

Location: Ghana

A positive legal development in Ghana against harmful practices rooted in superstition. In this case, a Hohoe court has convicted a man for calling his neighbor a witch, an act that fosters discrimination and social harm. The court’s decision to impose a fine, require compensation, and order the man to refrain from such accusations sends a strong message that labelling someone a witch is unacceptable and should no longer be tolerated in society.

By Mukesh Ranjan
New Indian Express
29 May 2025

Location: India

A village court in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand state, India, has passed a resolution not to hear any case related to witch-hunting – in other words, not to dignify any accusations of witchcraft by allowing them into the local legal system. The Gram Pradhan of Sarjamda village told the New Indian Express that this decision was made in order to forestall witchcraft-accusation-related killings: there had been an increase in “incidents of killing women and elders after branding them as witches during Panchayat meetings.” The court also amended the traditional self-governance system to state that there is no such thing as witchcraft, and that any complaints accusing someone else of witchcraft would result in the complainant being referred for counseling. The resolution is being hailed by activists and civil society groups as a landmark decision.

By Ayturgan Azimzhanova
Kursiv Media
28 May 2025

Location: Tajikistan

Four women were detained on suspicion of providing magical services, arrested in the Khatlon region. The women were aged from their twenties to their seventies. The women were charged under the Code of Administrative Offenses for witchcraft and fortune-telling. Their cases are expected to be sent to court, where they could face significant fines.

By Tapasa Kumar Parida
ETV Bharat
26 May 2025

Location: India

Some individuals still visit ‘witch-hunter’ or other quack advisers to seek advice when they fall ill. The cost of this misguided belief is too great, leading to brutal attacks, murders and lives shattered beyond repair.

By Solomon Star
21 May 2025

Location: Solomon Islands

A recent retaliation attack linked to allegations of sorcery resulted in several buildings being set on fire, highlighting ongoing tensions in the community of Sinali Village in East Fataleka, Malaita Province, Solomon Islands.

By Ekaz Kaiser
The New Indian Express
20 May 2025

Location: India

Three women, including a 17-7ear-old, were hacked to death in separate incidents over a period of six days in the rural areas of Chhattisgarh. They had each been accused of practising witchcraft, known locally as ‘Tonhi’. There is a stringent Tonhi Act in place but illiteracy and social factors appear to be making it challenging to enforce.

By Ejaz Kaiser
New Indian Express
20 May 2025

In the last week, the New Indian Express reports, at least three women were killed in Chhattisgarh state on the suspicion that they were witches. The youngest was a seventeen-year-old girl, Minakshi Markam, who is the youngest person known to have been killed after being accused of witchcraft in the state. The other two women, Sanmet Kashyap at Sanbahli village in Mahasamund and Hidma Podiyami at Katekalyan in Dantewada, were both elderly. The New Indian Express reports that their neighbors are suspected of having committed the murders. Chhattisgarh has had laws against witch-hunting since 2005, but experts note they have done little to curb accusation-related killings.

By James Paleologopoulos
WAMC Northeast Public Radio
20 May 2025

Location: USA

In 17th-century New England, witch hysteria led neighbours to accuse each other of heresy. Salem, Massachusetts was infamous for its trials. However, a new Springfield exhibition reveals that the region's first major witchcraft accusations actually took place in the City of Homes. Springfield’s Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History features an exhibit highlighting this significant historical moment, and includes discussion of how the image of the witch has transformed over the centuries.

By Lindsay Baker
BBC News
16 May 2025

A new book How to Kill a Witch brings forth lessons from the history of witch trials and witch hunting and their relevancy to our current times, including a key warning by one of its authors Zoe Venditozzi to ‘not use the condemnation of vulnerable or isolated members of the community as a way to strengthen public trust and safety’. It’s a sign of the times that works like this are showing us how to give voice to the vulnerable and to be alert to how this can still happen today.

By Wendy Dondolo
IOL
15 May 2025

Location: South Africa

The Pietermaritzburg High Court of South Africa sentenced a 37-year-old man named Nkosiyethu Exon Makhunga to two life terms in prison for a witchcraft-accusation-related killing. In February 2024, Makhunga visited an inyanga, a traditional healer, in KwaZulu-Natal, who allegedly told Makhunga that his grandmother was bewitching him. Later that evening, Makhunga consumed alcohol and, according to the National Prosecuting Authority, became convinced that the inyanga had been correct. That same night, he attacked and killed his grandmother and her sister, who happened to be sitting with her.

By Hindustan Times
14 May 2025

Location: India

Two women were allegedly murdered after being accused of witchcraft in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand state, India. Both women, 45-year-old Chako Bodra and 48-year-old Pogala Purty, were widows, and were accused of killing a local 10-year-old girl with witchcraft. The girl’s father and four others were subsequently arrested by police; all confessed to the murders.

By Ezra Nyakundi
NairobeLeo
27 April 2025

Location: Kenya

A member of the Kenyan Parliament, Phelix Odiwour (more popularly known as Jalang'o, spoke about overhearing a "meeting of witches" on a visit to Kisii, a district known for being a hotbed of witchcraft accusation. After an outpouring of protest from the Kisii community, where people reportedly felt insulted, Jalang'o apologized for his words and claimed he had been misquoted. He clarified that he would never insult the Kisii community; he did not, however, disavow the possibility of witches in Kisii.

By Ajay Nath
India Today
23 April 2025

Location: India

A 55-year-old man named Bhairav Sahu was allegedly killed in Odisha, India, after being accused of witchcraft. Though his daughter claimed to the police that he died by suicide, investigation reportedly indicated a ‘violent assault’, and police have arrested twenty-eight people in relation with the potential crime. 

By Amnesty International
14 April 2025

Location: Ghana

Amnesty International releases a report, Branded for Life, on the "witch camps" of Ghana, where women who have been accused of witchcraft often live after being exiled from their communities. The writers of the report interviewed 93 people accused of witchcraft, families of the dead, and multiple people who oversee the camps. The report notes that economic factors and gender discrimination make people in Ghana particularly vulnerable to witchcraft accusation. Amnesty further notes that "despite the prevalence of the incidents, the cases are rarely reported and investigated," and criticizes "the failure of the state to provide a long-term coordinated sensitization campaign in those regions to combat negative gender stereotypes at the origin of the accusations." Multiple media outlets, including Vice and RFI, reported on Amnesty's findings.

By Christian Daily International
Morning Star News
11 April 2025

Location: Nigeria

In Nigeria, four Muslims murdered a 70-year-old Catholic woman, Talatu Joshua, after a traditional healer falsely claimed she had used witchcraft against a suspect’s wife. The attack occurred on 2 March as she returned from church. Police revealed that the suspects had consulted a healer just days earlier, who falsely accused her, fueling the deadly violence. Read more to understand how superstition and misinformation can lead to tragedy.

By Sahara Reporters
12 April 2025

Location: Nigeria

A man named Sharahu Haruna of Zamfara State, Nigeria, was allegedly shot and killed after his relative was accused of witchcraft. The relative, Haruna Lawali, was accused of bewitching a woman who had recently died; a mob allegedly gathered outside Lawali's house, and at some point, a gun went off, killing Sharahu Haruna.

By Prasun K Mishra
Hindustan Times
11 April 2025

Location: India

An elderly woman, identified as Kismatiya Devi, was attacked and killed after she was accused of witchcraft in the Rohtas district of Bihar, India. The precipitating event was the sudden death of her neighbor, an eight-year-old boy; the deceased boy's grandfather, along with other members of the boy's family, apparently came to suspect Devi, and allegedly attacked and killed her. The grandfather has been arrested by local police. 

By Post Courier/RNZ Pacific
07 April 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea, a survivor of sorcery-related violence faces heartbreaking rejection from her family, highlighting the societal stigma and isolation that often accompany accusations of witchcraft. This article sheds light on her difficult journey, the emotional toll of such violence, and the urgent need for awareness and support for victims in similar situations.

By Andrew Mathieson
National Indigenous Times
03 April 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

A landmark conviction in Papua New Guinea relating to the murder of a mother-of-five, accused of sorcery, has been hailed as a victory in the fight to stop attacks and murders in the country.

By ABC Pacific Beat
02 April 2025

Location: Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea, a historic court ruling has seen a man jailed for five years for a sorcery accusation that led to the killing of a 39-year-old woman. 

By B Sridhar
The Times of India
01 April 2025

Location: India

In a shocking act of violence, a woman was tragically killed by her grandsons in a case that has left the community reeling. This article explores the circumstances surrounding the incident, shedding light on the complexities of familial relationships and the factors that can lead to such devastating actions.

Hope Abah
Daily Trust
22 March, 2025

Location: Nigeria

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.

By Debabrata Mohanty
Hindustan Times
19 March, 2025

Location: India

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.

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.

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?

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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.

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.

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.

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.

By Suzan Edeh
Independent
12 March 2025

In a tragic incident highlighting ongoing issues of superstition and violence, a 70-year-old grandmother named Talatu Joshua was brutally murdered in Bauchi over allegations of witchcraft. This article looks into the disturbing details surrounding her death and raises important questions about societal beliefs and the consequences they can have on vulnerable individuals.

By
Assam News
11 March 2025

Location: India

A group of people in Assam's Dibrugarh district attacked a 62-year-old Adivasi woman over claims she was practising witchcraft. Their physical attack resulted in serious injuries and the victim was found near a river where the mob abandoned her. She was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

By James Snell
The Spectator
02 March 2025

Discover how ancient fears and the practices of witchcraft are making a surprising return in modern Britain. Far from being a thing of the past, witchcraft and sorcery are woven into the multicultural fabric of today’s society, with folk traditions still alive and practised. However, alongside these practices, accusations of witchcraft, targeting children and vulnerable individuals, are also rising. Recent statistics reveal thousands of assessments and police reports linked to faith-based abuse, spirit possession, and demonic accusations. An eye-opening exploration of how belief, suspicion and fear continue to shape lives in contemporary Britain.

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.

By Renzo Gomez Vega
El Pais
26 February 2025

Location: Peru

After the death of Rubén Sabino Oviriano’s mother from tuberculosis, Rubén became fixated on why she died. He visited a healer to ask what had killed her and the healer said that it was his nephew, accusing him of being a witch doing ‘evil work’. The uncle buried his nephew alive and it was only thanks to the quick work of a local patrol that the boy was discovered and rescued in time.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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

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

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.

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.

By Harold Isaac
Reuters
10 December, 2024

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

By Summer Lin
Los Angeles Times
23 May, 2024

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Press Release
Pan-African Parliament
15 March, 2023

By Solène Tadié
National Catholic Register
3 January, 2023

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