Centuries after Salem, witch hunts persist

Men, women and children around the world are still being persecuted in these hunts

Photo collage of symbols of witchcraft arrayed together on a layer that's tearing off to reveal a close-up photo of a woman screaming in anguish.
Religious witch hunts remain a common — if not well-publicized — occurrence in countries around the world
(Image credit: Illustration by Julia Wytrazek / Getty Images)

The last proceedings of the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts ended in 1693. But 331 years later, religious witch hunts remain a common — if not well-publicized — occurrence in countries around the world. Women are the predominant targets, though men and even children are also persecuted for allegedly practicing witchcraft. While the practice is often thought of as a relic of the past, there is evidence that witch hunts may actually be increasing, not disappearing.

Witch hunts remain a "global problem in the 21st century," Deutsche Welle said, and is such a pervasive issue that Aug. 10 has even been designated "World Day Against Witch Hunts." "Thousands of people are accused of practicing witchcraft every year, and many are "persecuted and even killed in organized witch hunts," DW said. These witch hunts are most prominent in African countries but are also common in parts of Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. 

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

 Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.