Group calling for 'witch' to be pardoned

Published on Monday 7 January 2008 09:21

A PETITION is to be submitted to the Scottish Parliament asking for support in the battle to pardon the last person to be convicted of witchcraft in Britain.

Paranormal group Full Moon Investigations will submit the petition to ministers urging them to pressure the Home Office into fully pardoning Helen Duncan, a Scottish housewife jailed for witchcraft in 1944.

Ms Duncan, who lived in Niddrie, conducted seances throughout Britain, but was allegedly arrested because it was feared she would divulge details of the planned D-Day landings.

The Scottish investigators are also aiming to secure a posthumous pardon for almost 4000 people who were prosecuted and tortured prior to being executed under the witchcraft act throughout Scottish history.

Full Moon founder Andrea Byrne said: "The pardon of the 4000 prosecuted as witches is very relevant in today's society.

"Occupations such as herbalists, acupuncture, midwifery, reiki and health foods can all be seen as having roots in the traditions and people who would have been classed as witches in their day.

"We have been very privileged to have been asked to spearhead the Scottish campaign on behalf of Helen Duncan and also those accused of being witches throughout Scottish history."