NEW YORK: The US state of Connecticut has exonerated 12 people convicted of witchcraft in colonial America almost 400 years ago following a campaign to clear their names. Eleven of the accused witches were hanged after trials in the northeastern state of Connecticut in the mid-1600s, with one receiving a reprieve.
Lawmakers in the New England state passed a resolution on Thursday proclaiming their innocence and condemning the deaths of the nine women and two men as a “miscarriage of justice.” It followed a campaign by the CT Witch Trial Exoneration Project, a group that includes descendants of some of those killed. The group said in a statement that it was “ecstatic, pleased, and appreciative” of the senators who voted 33-1 in favor of the move.
They noted that the decision came on the eve of 376th anniversary of the first witch-hanging in New England – that of Alice Young. Hundreds of people, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft in New England in the 17th century – most famously in Salem, Massachusetts – as the area was gripped by fear, paranoia and superstition. Dozens were ultimately executed.
Lawmakers in the New England state passed a resolution on Thursday proclaiming their innocence and condemning the deaths of the nine women and two men as a “miscarriage of justice.” It followed a campaign by the CT Witch Trial Exoneration Project, a group that includes descendants of some of those killed. The group said in a statement that it was “ecstatic, pleased, and appreciative” of the senators who voted 33-1 in favor of the move.
They noted that the decision came on the eve of 376th anniversary of the first witch-hanging in New England – that of Alice Young. Hundreds of people, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft in New England in the 17th century – most famously in Salem, Massachusetts – as the area was gripped by fear, paranoia and superstition. Dozens were ultimately executed.