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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 (115)

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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?

Sooo much pain came of those trials and continued through the generations....

Heather Plaizier

0:43 on 17 Feb 2021

Couldn't agree more. Those wronged should be given a memorial and allowed to rest peacefully.

Kelly Greig

21:47 on 16 Feb 2021

Long overdue and time to give those who died in such horrendous circumstances peace

Vanessa Roeves

21:45 on 16 Feb 2021

It is simply the right thing to do. We do so much to support women today, let us extend this through the centuries. Saor Alba.

Gillian

14:15 on 16 Feb 2021

About time..lest we forget

Marygrace Lucia

4:59 on 16 Feb 2021

I believe we should have a museum. A building in my town built in 1812 came up and I put forward that suggestion but it is now business premises and a restaurant. It would be the only one in the world as far as I know

Jane Porteous

13:41 on 15 Feb 2021

Totally agree with this petition and it is time to at least acknowledge these terrible wrongs done in the past

Brian Dickson

13:37 on 15 Feb 2021

Justice For Us Witches.

Robert Boyd

19:37 on 14 Feb 2021

Such an interesting topic and campaign. The podcasts reveal many of the reasons, power and control behind the accusations.

Mrs Hazel Meldrum

21:36 on 13 Feb 2021

These women who were forced out of a mainstream society that found their wisdom intolerable should be honoured for their courageous example.

Marie MacLeod

18:09 on 13 Feb 2021

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