US: Connecticut ‘witches’ exonerated four centuries later

US: Connecticut 'witches' exonerated four centuries later

A dozen people who were convicted of witchcraft in the 17th century, most of whom were subsequently executed, have been exonerated in the US state of Connecticut.

A resolution recognising the convictions and executions as a “miscarriage of justice” was approved by the Connecticut State Senate in a 33–1 vote on Friday, NBC Connecticut reports.

The resolution was previously passed by the Connecticut House of Representatives in a 121–30 vote.

The move follows a campaign led by the CT Witch Trial Exoneration Project, which was established in 2005 and involves some distant relatives of the 12 accused witches.

Democratic state senator Saud Anwar said the decision would help bring attention to the modern-day witch-hunts in Africa and south Asia. “It’s relevant, even to this time as well,” he said.

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