Fighting Modern-Day Witch Hunts in India’s Remote Northeast - The New York Times

Not only am I reminded of the Salem 'Witch Trials' but also the tail end of the Satanic Panic and Cameron Todd Willingham who on February 17, 2004 was murdered by the state of Texas. [I say murdered because Willingham was innocent but beyond the scope of this posting.]

Why you might ask?

In his trial, Tim Gregory (master’s degree in marriage and family issues with no published works in the field of sociopathic behavior) was cited as stating, ",,,I see there’s an association many times with cultive-type of activities. A focus on death, dying. Many times individuals that have a lot of this type of art have interest in satanic-type activities."

At one point, Jackson showed Gregory Exhibit No. 60—a photograph of an Iron Maiden poster that had hung in Willingham’s house—and asked the psychologist to interpret it. “This one is a picture of a skull, with a fist being punched through the skull,” Gregory said; the image displayed “violence” and “death.” Gregory looked at photographs of other music posters owned by Willingham. “There’s a hooded skull, with wings and a hatchet,” Gregory continued. “And all of these are in fire, depicting—it reminds me of something like Hell. And there’s a picture—a Led Zeppelin picture of a falling angel. . . . I see there’s an association many times with cultive-type of activities. A focus on death, dying. Many times individuals that have a lot of this type of art have interest in satanic-type activities.”

It is this mentality of the prevailing culture that allows for it.  We have our Satanic Panic, India has its witchcraft.  And for those that have any doubts as where a theocracy may lead, once a system of law is based on religion, anyone can be suspect.

For three decades, Birubala Rabha, an activist, has fought to end this violent, retrograde practice of punishing women accused of witchcraft. She works with state legislators and residents of rural villages to investigate accusers and protect victims and their families. A videojournalist, Vikram Singh, traveled to Assam State to report on Ms. Rabha’s work.

Rabha's claim to fame A State in India Just Outlawed Witch-Hunting, but Many Fear That Won’t Stop the Practice.

Fighting Modern-Day Witch Hunts in India’s Remote Northeast - The New York Times