11 of them were executed by hanging after trials for witchcraft in Connecticut, in the northeastern United States, in the mid-17th century, while one of them was exempted of this pain.
Connecticut state officials this week approved a ruling to that effect, exonerating those executed, who were 9 women and two men, calling what happened a “miscarriage of justice.”
In a statement, the CT Witch Trail Examination Project, which includes descendants of people convicted of witchcraft centuries ago, welcomed Connecticut officials’ vote after leading a campaign to restore the posthumous rights of those involved.
Connecticut’s decision comes on the eve of the 376th anniversary of the first hanging for witchcraft in New England, the execution of Alice Young.
Hundreds of people, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft in New England in the 17th century, most notably during the famous Salem, Massachusetts trials between 1692 and 1693, which were overshadowed by feelings of fear and superstition.
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