To criminalize actions associated with witchcraft or any spiritual practices that cause physical, emotional, or financial harm to individuals, while upholding the principles of religious freedom as protected by the Constitution.
Key Provisions:
Definition of Harmful Practices
• Harmful practices are defined as actions that cause harm to others, whether physical, psychological, or financial, under the guise of witchcraft, sorcery, or other spiritual practices.
• Physical Harm: Rituals or acts that involve physical abuse, injuries, or damage to others under the pretext of spiritual or magical purposes.
• Psychological Harm: Manipulation, threats, or intimidation designed to cause emotional distress or fear in individuals.
• Financial Harm: Fraudulent activities, including deceptive practices that result in financial exploitation or coercion under the guise of spiritual or witchcraft practices.
Criminalization of Harmful Acts
• Fraud and Deception: Criminalize fraudulent practices, including the sale of false promises or services, such as claiming supernatural powers or healing for financial gain.
• Physical Abuse or Ritual Violence: Establish criminal penalties for those who inflict harm, injury, or violence under the guise of witchcraft or spiritual practices.
• Coercion and Manipulation: Target coercive tactics that manipulate individuals into submitting to harmful rituals, paying large sums, or engaging in illegal activities under spiritual threats or promises.
Law Enforcement Action
• Focus on Actions, Not Beliefs: Ensure that law enforcement focuses on the behavior (harmful actions) and not on an individual’s beliefs or spiritual practices.
• Investigation and Prosecution: Investigate and prosecute cases where harm is reported, ensuring that investigations are based on evidence of harm rather than assumptions about spiritual beliefs.
• Protection for Victims: Develop protocols to protect victims from retaliation or further harm once they report abuse or harmful practices.
Public Awareness and Education
• Public Education Campaigns: Launch campaigns to educate the public about recognizing harmful practices associated with witchcraft or spiritual abuse, helping people distinguish between harmless spiritual practices and those that are exploitative or harmful.
• Clear Reporting Channels: Provide information on how to report harmful practices safely and confidentially, protecting victims from stigma or retaliation.
Support for Victims
• Counseling and Legal Assistance: Offer free counseling, legal aid, and support services to victims of harmful practices, including emotional support and protection.
• Hotline for Reporting: Establish a national hotline and online reporting system for individuals to report harmful practices, fraud, or violence related to witchcraft or other spiritual practices.
Victim Protection and Privacy
• Confidentiality: Ensure that victim reports are kept confidential to protect their privacy and prevent retaliation.
• Safe Recovery Programs: Provide safe recovery options for victims, including shelters, counseling, and financial assistance.
Enforcement and Monitoring
Monitoring of Implementation:
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of the law in protecting victims from harmful practices, ensuring that it is applied fairly without infringing on religious freedoms.
Law Enforcement Training:
• Train law enforcement officials to distinguish between harmful practices and protected spiritual beliefs, ensuring that investigations focus solely on actions that harm individuals.
Annual Audits:
• Conduct audits of cases related to harmful practices to ensure they are handled appropriately and that no religious practices are unjustly targeted.