No one tortured witches like the Swiss...

Swiss witches are making a comeback from the dead as cantons rehabilitate some of those they executed in past centuries - with the last case as recent as 1782.

At a time when many governments are busy apologising for the actions of long-gone predecessors, this may come as no surprise. But when it comes to witches, the Swiss hold the record for persecution.

The French-speaking area of Switzerland executed some 3,500 people, more than anywhere else in Europe per head of population.

From the Middle Ages, there was always a need to find someone to blame for disasters or epidemics. The scapegoat was accused of performing witchcraft or being in league with Satan. More...

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