7 people accused of sorcery tortured as Easter “sacrifices”

PNG’s The National newspaper has reported that six women and a man, who were accused of sorcery, were tortured as Easter “sacrifices” in a village in the Southern Highlands on March 28.

In Lae last Wednesday Komape Lap, 54, claimed that he fought with their torturers and escaped to the Morobean capital to reveal what happened. Although these claims could not be corroborated with Mendi police, Komape showed scars on his face and buttocks as proof of his torture. Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident.

“The priority must be to find out the fate of the six women. The perpetrators must also be brought to justice for the abduction and crimes of sexual and other violence, if confirmed”, said Kate Schuetze, Amnesty International’s Pacific researcher.

“The government must take urgent action to prevent any further “sorcery” – related violence and must also provide the survivors with support and full access to health and other services”, said Kate Schuetze.

Source

 

Additional reading

News category: Asia Pacific.

Tags: , ,