Seven men in Tanzania charged for killing albinos for use in magic potions
In Tanzania, trials begin for seven men accused of murdering albino people and selling their body parts for use in witchcraft. More than 40 albinos have been killed there in the last 18 months. In Shinyanga, four men pled not guilty to attacking a young albino woman, cutting off her limbs and dumping her torso in a well. In Kahama, three men pled not guilty to killing a 13-year-old albino boy and severing his legs. Witchdoctors sell ‘albino potions’ for thousands of dollars, claiming that they bring prosperity and good fortune. The BBC reports that while prejudice against albinos is widespread in Africa, routine killings in such numbers is a new development. Human rights organizations have criticized the government for waiting so long to bring charges against the seven men.