Tel-Chai Nation

Historically, some may be familiar with the backwards witch hunts that plagued Europe and may have even taken place in early American history too. But even Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Muslim world, this can happen, and here's one current example that's taken another life:

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi authorities have executed a woman convicted of practicing magic and sorcery.

The Saudi Interior Ministry says in a statement the execution took place Monday, but gave no details on the woman's crime.

The London-based al-Hayat daily, however, quoted Abdullah al-Mohsen, chief of the religious police who arrested the woman, as saying she had tricked people into thinking she could treat illnesses, charging them $800 per session.

The paper said a female investigator followed up, and the woman was arrested in April, 2009, and later convicted in a Saudi court.

It did not give the woman's name, but said she was in her 60s.

The execution brings the total to 76 this year in Saudi Arabia, according to an Associated Press count. At least three have been women.

We shouldn't be surprised if what they tell about the victim is taqqiya. Regardless, swindling is not a felony deserving of death. But what this does tell is that medieval Europe is not the only place where this kind of monstrous superstition takes place.

Labels: House of Saud, islam, misogyny