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PE01855: Pardon and memorialise those convicted under the Witchcraft Act 1563

Justice

Petitioner: Claire Mitchell QC

Status:
Open

Closing Date for Online Petition: 17 March 2021

Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to pardon, apologise and create a national monument to memorialise those people in Scotland accused and convicted as witches under the Witchcraft Act 1563.

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Comments (90)

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Between 1563 and 1736, the years when the Witchcraft Act 1563 was law, there were 4 periods of “satanic panic” which resulted in approximately 4000 people being accused as witches. Of those 4000, academics estimate that approximately 2500 were executed. 

To bring these people some justice and to memorialise their memory appropriately, we are calling for—

  • A pardon for those convicted,
  • An apology for all those accused and
  • A national monument

Do you agree?

Now is the time to understand our connection to the elements in our world. Our connection to nature, animals and the earth elements. It is a true, deep connection and a birthrite. No one should be prosecuted for honouring and celebrating this.

Rebecca Smith

22:31 on 10 Feb 2021

Brilliant campaign and love the fabulous website.

Ashley weir

22:05 on 10 Feb 2021

Using herbs and experience to heal people is not witchcraft. They did not inject poisons into people's arms to prevent a illness or anything. There are no records of any witches landing badly which would be hard to believe without the proper training.

John Wright Duncan

15:05 on 10 Feb 2021

It's time to talk about the accused as people in the wrong place, time, and religion. And hopefully not make the mistakes again

Elsbeth McGaughrin

20:24 on 09 Feb 2021

in 2021 it is time to remember all who were targeted by ignorance and false belief

Trevor Swistchew

20:07 on 09 Feb 2021

Please start the healing

Sarah Ebbs

11:54 on 09 Feb 2021

I believe there will be a collective healing experience for the ancestors of those who were tortured and brutally murdered during this terrifying era of injustice and irrational fear. For some this may be a massive inner shift and other it may be just a long deep exhale and release. This is vital work you are doing I support it wholeheartedly! Rest in peace all those lost through injustice

Audrey Victor

11:01 on 09 Feb 2021

This pardon and memorial is integral to healing the colonialist history of Scotland.

Kimberley K. Stone

10:47 on 09 Feb 2021

I hope we lead the way in looking at our past and learning. ..Eyes open however difficult the view. Best wishes to ScotGov.

Norma Barclay

3:49 on 09 Feb 2021

It's time to acknowledge and remediate a great injustice - the torturous deaths of so many innocent people. I fully support this campaign.

Janet Schipkr

23:17 on 08 Feb 2021

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