The First Minister apologies to those convicted of being a "witch"

Nicola Sturgeon has marked international women's day by offering a formal apology to those "accused, convicted and executed" for being "witches" the majority of which were women.

Author: Lewis MichiePublished 8th Mar 2022
Last updated 8th Mar 2022

The First Minister has offered a formal apology to people in Scotland who were "accused, convicted and executed" for being a "witch".

Nicola Sturgeon marked international women's day with the apology, as the overwhelming majority of those convicted under the witch craft act of 1563 were women.

"Those who met this fate were not witches, they were people, and overwhelmingly women" said the FM.

She said it was "injustice on a colossal" scale, driven by misogyny "in it's most literal sense - hatred of women".

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A petition is currently in front of the Scottish Parliament for a pardon to be given to the over 4,000 people convicted historically.

Nicola Sturgeon said the petition calls for legislation, which she says may happen in the future.

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