People & Power

Magic and Murder

People and Power investigates sorcery-related infanticide in the African republic of Benin.

The killing of so-called child witches is a practice that continues in the African republic of Benin.
 
While murder is of course illegal in the country, making the allegations of witchcraft that lead to the deaths of children is not.
 
Changing the law is not something easily achieved in Benin where the belief in sorcery is all pervasive and often seen as fundamental to the country’s heritage and national identity.
 
Charles Stratford and cameraman Fadi el-Benni with a disturbing report – first screened in November 2010.