Tanzania Opens Trials in Killings of Albinos

Dozens arrested in 40 murders; body parts used for witchcraft
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 9, 2009 8:28 AM CDT
Tanzania Opens Trials in Killings of Albinos
Tanzanian albino Muadhani Ramadhani weaves a carpet Friday, May 4, 2007, as part of celebrations to mark World Albino Day.   (AP Photo/Khalfan Said)

Tanzania is trying seven people for murdering albinos and selling their body parts for use in witchcraft, the BBC reports. Dozens have been arrested in some 40 murders over the past year and a half, but so far no one has been convicted. Witch doctors sell “albino potions” for thousands of dollars, saying they bring good luck; some of their customers are believed to be top businessmen.
(More crime stories.)

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