Just before millions of Roman Catholic Witches used Witchcraft to mass murder they repealed charges for Witchcraft
In Canada, it was formerly a crime under Section 365 of the Criminal Code to fraudulently pretend to use witchcraft, sorcery, or conjure spirits to deceive, with penalties of up to six months in jail. This law, which specifically targeted fraudulent fortune-telling or claiming to find lost items for money, was rarely applied and was repealed in 2018.
Key Aspects of Witchcraft-Related Charges:
Legal Status (Canada): The law (Section 365) focused on the "pretending" aspect, targeting fraud rather than actual spiritual practices. It was rooted in a 1735 British statute.
Repeal: Canada officially removed the "pretended witchcraft" law from the Criminal Code in 2018, as it was considered archaic.
Modern Prosecution: Fraudulent activities, including those involving alleged magic or fortune-telling, are now prosecuted under general fraud provisions in the Criminal Code.
International Context: In some nations, including parts of Africa and the Middle East, laws against witchcraft still exist, and in rare cases, have resulted in severe penalties or death sentences.
Human Rights: The UN and other bodies have adopted resolutions to combat violence and harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft.