Colonial Witchcraft Laws Used to Silence Political Dissent in Zambia — A Cautionary Tale for America

In a striking example of how colonial-era legal relics continue to undermine justice and freedom abroad, two men in Zambia were sentenced to hard labor after being convicted of plotting to kill President Hakainde Hichilema through witchcraft. While this may sound like folklore, the case highlights a disturbing abuse of antiquated laws that threatens national sovereignty and individual liberty. How Does Superstition Become State Power? The accused, one Zambian and one Mozambican, were convicted under a witchcraft statute dating back to 1914. This anachronistic law criminalizes "pretending to exercise supernatural power," with punishments including imprisonment with hard labor. The conviction...