By Elizaveta Chukharova
OC Media
03 June 2025

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

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

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 Tapasa Kumar Parida
ETV Bharat
26 May 2025

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Sahara Reporters
12 April 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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 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