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Abuse of Child 'Witches' Burgeoning

Growing number of kids suspected of witchcraft worldwide

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 18, 2009 10:17 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Children dubbed “witches” are facing increasing abuse in Nigeria and elsewhere, advocates say. “They would take my clothes off, tie me up and beat me,” said a 14-year-old, whose grandfather concluded he was a “witch” 2 years ago when he cried at the threat of being beaten with a broom. “Nigerian witches are terrified of brooms,” the grandfather tells CNN.

“Children accused of witchcraft are often incarcerated in churches for weeks on end and beaten, starved, and tortured in order to extract a confession,” said a member of an advocacy group. Often, the children have conditions like learning disabilities or epilepsy. Some 15,000 kids are labeled witches in two Nigerian states, and “it is a growing issue worldwide, among not just African communities, but in countries such as Nepal,” said a UN worker.

Pope Benedict XVI visits Angola, March 21, 2009. The pope appealed to Catholics to reach out to and convert believers in witchcraft who feel threatened by spirits and evil powers of sorcery.
Pope Benedict XVI visits Angola, March 21, 2009. The pope appealed to Catholics to reach out to and convert believers in witchcraft who feel threatened by "spirits" and "evil powers" of sorcery.   (AP Photo)
A UN panel has expressed concern about the growing number of street children in Congo accused of witchcraft and subject to violence and torture as a result.
A UN panel has expressed concern about the growing number of street children in Congo accused of witchcraft and subject to violence and torture as a result.   (AP Photo)
Pope Benedict XVI visits Angola, March 21, 2009. The pope appealed to Catholics to reach out to and convert believers in witchcraft who feel threatened by spirits and evil powers of sorcery.
Pope Benedict XVI visits Angola, March 21, 2009. The pope appealed to Catholics to reach out to and convert believers in witchcraft who feel threatened by "spirits" and "evil powers" of sorcery.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
skeptik
May 18, 2009 6:55 AM CDT
You need to learn how to have a civil debate kg! Perhaps one might get the idea christians are behind this as the children are "locked in churches" until "they repent". Oh yeah, the whole "Satan" thing is a dead giveaway too. Granted christianity is not to blame for all the problems the world is facing but this instance is pretty clear cut.
kirei_gaisuto
May 18, 2009 6:13 AM CDT
Where in the article (besides that quote) did it even mention Christianity? You two should get your head out of your ass before you start talking about things. Not everything is the fault of Christianity even though you like to think that way. And before you start in on me, I'm not Christian. I'm not even religious. I'm just tired of people blaming it for everything they can.
AnnieChrist
May 18, 2009 5:41 AM CDT
"The role of the international Christian community in this cannot be underestimated," Foxcroft said. "Unfortunately, the fact remains that this belief system is being spread by so-called Christians." And in the USA we are told the only way our nation can survive is by accepting christianity; we must do it 'for the children.' Ha!

 
torture • Nigeria • child abuse • Nepal • witchcraft • witches • beatings

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