Catalonia pardoned hundreds of women executed as “witches”

Historical redemption was not supported by all political sides, however

On Wednesday, 26 January, the regional Catalonian Parliament passed a resolution condemning the “witch hunts” that have happened in history and absolving all the women who had been persecuted and lost their lives as a result.

A recent analysis by historians has shown that 700 women had been executed on accusations of practising witchcraft and that Catalonia was one of the most brutal regions in Europe in that regard. The groups who lobbied for the resolution’s passing explained that in the period between the 15^th and 18^th centuries, the Inquisition was particularly tough in their persecution of women.

Today, these would’ve been described as femicides

Witches were often blamed for the sudden death of children or for poor harvests, according to Pau Castell, a professor of modern history at the University of Barcelona. Pro-independence and left-wing groups say the women were "victims of misogynistic persecution" and want their memory honoured by naming streets after them.

"Before they called us witches, now they call us 'feminazis' or hysterical or sexually frustrated. Before they carried out witch hunts, now we call them femicides," said regional MP Jenn Diaz of the ruling ERC, according to AFP news agency.

Contemporary social policies and climate have taken a look back with an idea to redress the injustices of the past. Yet, surprisingly or perhaps not, even this issue has reflected upon modern politics.

The Plenary Session approved the motion for a resolution on those accused of witchcraft by 114 votes in favour (PSC-Units, ERC, JxCat, CUP and ECP), 14 against (Vox and PPC) and 6 abstentions (Cs). The parties in favour of Catalan independence were thus also in favour of the motion, and the right-wing and federalist political groups were opposed.

Catalonia is not the first region or country in Europe to pass such resolutions. The official text reads that its goal is to “promote public policies aimed at promoting the memory of so many women who have been unjustly executed for unfounded convictions and promoting historical justice in line with initiatives that have emerged elsewhere, such as Scotland, Switzerland, Norway or Navarre".