Seven women have been kidnapped in a remote Peruvian Andean village and flogged on “witchcraft” charges. So-called peasant patrols captured the women in Chillia in late June and held them for two weeks after residents of the village fell ill or died, Peruvian prosecutor and human rights ombudsman Eliana Revollar said on Tuesday. Investigations have been started.
Peruvian authorities became aware of the case when a video of the assault appeared on online networks. It showed one of the women being hanged by one foot and flogged. Another was interrogated naked.
Farmer patrol man also arrested
After the government intervened, the women were released. According to media reports, they are between 43 and 70 years old. A man was also arrested by the farmer’s patrol. But there was no evidence that he was abused.
Peasant patrols were introduced to Peru more than four decades ago, initially to prevent the rustling of livestock. They now act as a kind of law enforcement agency in parts of rural Peru.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
