Case file · Witch trials
Repeal of the Sorcery Act
In 2013 Papua New Guinea's parliament repealed the Sorcery Act of 1971, which had recognised sorcery as a crime and allowed it to be raised in defence of killing an alleged sorcerer.
2013 CE · -9.44, 147.18 · status: official
The account
The repeal followed the deaths of Kepari Leniata and others. Activists such as Ruth Kissam have since worked to rescue accused women; a national action plan against sorcery accusation-related violence was adopted.
Connections in the atlas
- Kuru, the 'sorcery' that was a prion
- Rescue of a girl accused of sorcery
- Killing of Kepari Leniata, Mount Hagen