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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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'Witch' Burned Alive in Papua New Guinea

Girl said to spread AIDS; outbreak fuels such sorcery killings

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(Newser) – A young woman accused of witchcraft was doused with gasoline and burned to death on a pyre of car tires in Papua New Guinea, reports the Telegraph. The girl, aged between 16 and 21, was accused of spreading AIDS to one of her murderers in an extra-marital affair. Black magic has seen resurgence as the Pacific island nation grapples with a HIV epidemic.

“The girl was stripped naked and could not shout for assistance or resist, as she was tightly strapped and her mouth gagged,” says a 21-year-old witness. Adds the region’s police chief, “I don’t know the right words to describe it, but it’s barbaric. Can you find the best words to describe such acts that are rampant here?”

Just 100 years ago, some parts of Papua New Guinea had never seen outsiders.
Just 100 years ago, some parts of Papua New Guinea had never seen outsiders.   (AP Photo)
Witchcraft and black magic is prevalent today in the island nation.
Witchcraft and black magic is prevalent today in the island nation.   (AP Photo)
Women and girls are often the victims of witchcraft accusations in Papua New Guinea.
Women and girls are often the victims of witchcraft accusations in Papua New Guinea.   (AP Photo/David Longstreath)
The recent surge in sorcery killings coincides with an HIV epidemic.
The recent surge in sorcery killings coincides with an HIV epidemic.   (AP Photo)
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2 comments
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Shannonals
Jan 8, 09 10:58 PM CST
All these people observing did nothing? Reply
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riffran
Jan 9, 09 9:21 AM CST
good grief, Thats crazy!!!......But when you combine religion fear superstition and overall societal ignorance, you get the Salem witch trials all over.....how horrific Reply
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Sorcery killings not uncommon there
Times (UK)

Area was isolated until last century
Straits Times

Women blamed for spreading AIDS
Reuters

50 murdered just in last year
Post-Courier (Papua New Guinea)


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women • Papua New Guinea • murder • HIV/AIDS • witchcraft • AIDS epidemic • black magic

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