Witch Hunt

Historian Louis Pulford reveals how a 13th-century religious persecution became the blueprint for centuries of persecution. The Albigensian Crusade (1209-1229) marked the first time the Catholic Church turned its crusading armies inward, targeting the Cathar religious minority in southern France. Pulford, who recently completed his PhD research on firsthand accounts of the crusade, traces how tactics developed during this campaign - from systematic interrogations to public marking of the accused - would later be deployed in witch trials across Europe and colonial America. By understanding how these persecution methods were first developed and refined during the Albigensian Crusade, we gain crucial insight into the mechanics of later witch hunts and how established systems of persecution could be turned against any marginalized group. Join us as we explore this pivotal moment when methods of mass persecution were refined and institutionalized, setting dangerous precedents that would echo through the centuries. Order from Chaos: Reappraising the Historia Albigensis of Peter of les Vaux-de-Cernay by Louis Pulford Importance of Heresy Impact of Heresy United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8 Study on the situation of the violations and abuses of human rights rooted in harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks, as well as stigmatization End Witch Hunts Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project Witch Hunt Website Salem Witch-Hunt Education Project

On Human Rights Day, December 10th, marking 76 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we explore one of humanity's ongoing challenges: how differences continue to be met with fear, persecution, and violence. We welcome special guest Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, United Nations Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Persons with Albinism, for a critical discussion that epitomizes Human Rights Day 2024. Her vital work documents how harmful practices and ritual attacks continue to threaten the lives of persons with albinism in Africa and globally, challenging the fundamental principles the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created to protect. Our conversation examines how beliefs that lead to harm continue to target persons with albinism, particularly women and children. Through the framework of United Nations Resolution 47/8 on accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks, we explore how countries worldwide are developing protective measures while respecting cultural contexts. As we mark International Human Rights Day and its vision of dignity for all people regardless of race, color, religion, abilities, or status, this discussion provides both a sobering look at ongoing human rights challenges and hope through education, awareness, and community engagement. Join this crucial exploration of human rights protection, where harmful practices meet National Action Plans, and learn how global communities are working together to ensure safety and dignity for persons with albinism. #HumanRightsDay #PersonsWithAlbinism #UnitedNations #HumanRights #AlbinismRights Resources: United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8 Study on the situation of the violations and abuses of human rights rooted in harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks, as well as stigmatization Papua New Guinea Sorcery and Witchcraft Accusation-Related Violence National Action Plan Pan African Parliament Guidelines for Addressing Accusations of Witchcraft and Ritual Attacks IK Ero On Next Steps For Ending Witch Hunts TINAAWAHP Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism Facebook Page Pro Victimis Medical Assistance Sierra Leone End Witch Hunts Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project Salem Witch-Hunt Education Project

Join us for an exciting collaboration as Witch Hunt meets Witches of Scotland in this special crossover episode. Hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack sit down with Zoe Venditozzi and Claire Mitchell to explore the parallel paths of witch trial justice advocacy across the Atlantic. From Connecticut to Scotland, discover how these podcasters are working to right historical wrongs while preventing modern-day witch hunts. Key topics include contrasts between American and Scottish witch trial histories, the unique challenges of tracing witch trial ancestry in different cultures, Dorothy Good's heartbreaking story: imprisoned at age 4 in Salem, current advocacy efforts for exoneration and remembrance, and modern witch hunt phenomena and their global impact. The discussion also features Connecticut's witch trial history and recent exoneration efforts, Scotland's unique legal framework for addressing historical injustices, the challenges of creating memorials in both countries, modern-day witch hunts and their global prevalence, and the role of gender in historical and contemporary witch accusations. ## Resources Mentioned - Petition to clear the names of those convicted of witchcraft in Massachusetts - Connecticut Witch Hunt Exoneration Project - Massachusetts Witch Hunt Justice Project - Witches of Scotland podcast - Scottish Parliament consultation on witch trial pardons

Explore the pressing global challenge of modern witch hunts with Kirsty Brimelow KC, one of Britain's leading human rights barristers and incoming vice chair of the Bar Council. Drawing parallels between harmful traditional practices worldwide, Brimelow shares insights from her groundbreaking work developing protection orders and contributing to the 2021 United Nations resolution on witch hunting and ritual attacks. Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and violence related to witchcraft accusations. Brimelow shares expert insights on developing effective community engagement strategies while respecting cultural sensitivities. She demonstrates how fear and deeply held beliefs can trigger accusations, illustrating her points with compelling examples from her extensive legal career, policy development work, and international case studies. This episode provides essential context for understanding modern witch hunts as a contemporary global human rights issue requiring coordinated international response. Through examining successful interventions against FGM, we explore proven strategies for combating harmful traditional practices through combined legal action and community engagement. Join us for this critical discussion about protecting vulnerable populations and building effective systems for monitoring and preventing witch hunting in the modern world. Key Topics Covered: Religious freedom and harmful traditional practices Comparative analysis of legal approaches to FGM and witchcraft accusations Role of religious leaders in perpetuating or preventing accusations Challenges facing law enforcement in remote communities Connection between disability discrimination and witchcraft allegations Implementation strategies for the 2021 UN resolution Global initiatives targeting elimination of harmful practices by 2030 Kirsty Brimelow KC National FGM Centre United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8. Elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks Pan African Parliament Guidelines for Addressing Accusations of Witchcraft and Ritual Attacks Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights: Study on the situation of the violations and abuses of human rights rooted in harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks, as well as stigmatization World Day Against Witch Hunts End Witch Hunts Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project Maryland Witches Exoneration Project Witch Hunt Website End Witch Hunts Bookshop

In February 1933, while the world was entering the age of radio and automobiles, individuals from the town of Soalhaes, Portugal burned a woman accused of witchcraft. The victim was Arminda de Jesus, a 32-year-old mother of two children, known locally for her kindness and for helping her troubled neighbor. That same neighbor would accuse her of witchcraft, leading to an exorcism ritual that spiraled tragically out of control and ended in Arminda's death. Through meticulous research in Portuguese archives, Dr. Inês Tadeu from the University of Madeira has reconstructed this forgotten case using trial records and newspaper accounts. She joins us to discuss how witchcraft beliefs persisted into the twentieth century, and why some communities still struggle to confront these dark aspects of our humanity. Together, we explore how a simple accusation of witchcraft could end in murder in 1930s Europe, and why Arminda's story remained buried for so long. Department of the Interior National Native American Heritage Month Statement Publications by Inês Tadeu Department of the Interior National Native American Heritage Month Statement End Witch Hunts Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project Maryland Witches Exoneration Project Witch Hunt Website End Witch Hunts Bookshop Inês Tadeu, “Joana, a Romantic Woman-as-Witch Heroine in the film "O Crime de Aldeia Velha" (1964) by Bernardo Santareno, Manuel de Guimarães and José Carlos Andrade”

We step behind Broadway's emerald curtain to explore Wicked with two leading scholars. The University of Kansas' Paul Laird, professor emeritus of musicology, received unprecedented access as Stephen Schwartz composed his blockbuster musical and wrote the definitive book on its making, Wicked: a Musical Biography. His colleague Jane Barnette is a professor of theater & dance and the author of Witch Fulfillment: Adaptation Dramaturgy and Casting the Witch for Stage and Screen. She reveals how the evolving story of Oz has redefined witchcraft in modern theater. In this engaging discussion, we prepare for the film while learning more about the book and musical that changed how we see good, evil, and female power and friendship. Article: KU experts comment on ‘Wicked’ film adaptation Play Episode:Wicked Movie: The Making of a Witch  Wicked Movie: The Making of a Witch explores the nuanced and powerful portrayal of witches in the highly anticipated Wicked movie. Witch Hunt podcast hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack delve into their immediate reactions and the deeper social themes conveyed through the film Purchase the Wonderful and Wicked Books of Oz in our Bookstore

Wicked Movie: The Making of a Witch explores the nuanced and powerful portrayal of witches in the highly anticipated Wicked movie. Witch Hunt podcast hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack delve into their immediate reactions and the deeper social themes conveyed through the film. From the breath-catching spectacle of Galinda's grand entrance to the heartbreaking social justice undertones surrounding Elphaba's journey, this podcast dissects the movie’s profound commentary on othering, power dynamics, and societal hypocrisies. Alongside enthusiastic discussions of standout scenes involving musical numbers, stunts, and emotional turns, Josh and Sarah provide a thorough examination of how the Wicked movie redefines classic witch stereotypes and resonates with contemporary issues. The podcast is an unmissable treat for fans of Wicked, Oz, and beyond, offering a thoughtful and passionate examination of one of the year's most magical films. Visit Witch Hunt

We explore the urgent human rights crisis affecting people with albinism in Africa. Expert guest Jay Mohammed Osman Kamara, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism (SLAPWA), discusses protecting persons with albinism and the critical significance of UN Resolution 47/8 on eliminating harmful practices related to witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks. Drawing from his experiences and presentation at the Witchcraft and Human Rights Conference, Kamara reveals how deeply-rooted supernatural beliefs fuel deadly misconceptions, discrimination, and ritual attacks against persons with albinism. The conversation examines SLAPWA's grassroots advocacy, community education initiatives, and protection strategies, while highlighting how the climate crisis creates extreme vulnerabilities for the albinism community. Learn about the critical need for enhanced data collection, stronger government protections, and international cooperation in safeguarding persons with albinism. Content warning: This episode contains discussions of discrimination, violence, and suicide. Crisis support resources - United States: call/text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org; United Kingdom: call 111 or text SHOUT to 85258; Canada: call/text 988; Sierra Leone: dial 019. Links to learn more and become a partner email: slapwa.sl@gmail.com Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism Facebook Page End Witch Hunts U. S. Nonprofit Organization Pro VictimisMedical Assistance Sierra Leone This is Lancaster Podcast: Witchcraft Accusation in the Modern World

Discover the heartbreaking true story of Goody Glover, an Irish Catholic immigrant who became the last person executed for witchcraft in Boston in 1688. Occurring four years before the infamous Salem Witch Trials began, Glover's case clearly illustrates the injustice of colonial New England's witch hunting history. Standing alone between the 1656 execution of Ann Hibbins and the Salem Witch Trials of 1692-93, Goody Glover's case provides crucial insights into colonial Boston's religious tensions and social dynamics. While Salem would later become synonymous with witch trials, Boston's last execution deserves recognition as a pivotal moment in American religious persecution. This episode is the fourth in Witch Hunt’s Massachusetts Witch Trials 101 series exploring the complex history of witch persecution in colonial New England.  Witch Hunt Podcast Episodes about Witch Trials in Massachusetts Salem Witch Trials Episodes Purchase Button: Massachusetts Witch Hunt Justice Project End Witch Hunts Massachusetts Witch Hunt Justice Project Sign Our Justice Petition Live Event November 16 to Remember Goody Glover, Executed for Witchcraft Nov. 16, 1688 Cotton Mather’s Memorable Providences Cotton Mather’s Magnalia Christi Americana

Welcome to Witch Hunt, the investigative podcast exploring modern-day witch hunting in India. In this eye-opening episode, we investigate a critical human rights crisis: the systematic persecution of women through witchcraft accusations. The statistics are haunting: over 2,000 documented witch-hunting murders between 2000-2012—with countless more cases hidden in rural communities. To analyze this intersection of women's rights, criminal justice, and cultural practices, we're joined by leading experts: Rashika Bajaj, a human rights advocate at Jharkhand High Court, and Jaya Verma, an assistant professor specializing in gender law at Jindal Global University. Human rights researcher Dr. Amit Anand provides essential insights on how traditional beliefs and economic inequality fuel these violent practices. Together, we'll examine urgent policy reforms, legal protection measures, and grassroots solutions needed to combat witch-hunting violence. This powerful episode serves as both an exposé and a call to action—through awareness and advocacy, we can challenge harmful practices and protect vulnerable women. Join our investigation into one of India's most pressing yet under-reported human rights issues. You're listening to Witch Hunt. End Witch Hunts Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project Maryland Witches Exoneration Project Witch Hunt Website United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8. Elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks Advocacy for Alleged Witches, Nigeria The International Network Against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices International Alliance to End Witch Hunts IK Ero On Next Steps For Ending Witch Hunts Sierra Leone Association for Persons With Albinism