Violence erupts on Walis Island in Wewak

I WRITE to highlight the urgent issue of sorcery-related violence on Walis Island, East Sepik.
On April 3, two innocent fathers were attacked, tortured and murdered by more than 50 individuals, driven by baseless accusations of sorcery.
This heinous act of violence, driven by baseless accusations of sorcery, has left the families of the victims devastated and fearing for their lives.
In the face of such brutality, the wives and children of the victims have been forced to flee the island and seek refuge on the mainland.
Despite court orders for a post-mortem examination for the buried victims, village leaders and perpetrators obstructed justice by denying access to medical professionals and the police, citing superstitious beliefs of the dead.
This hostility underlines the need for government and police intervention to ensure the safety of innocent victims and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Sorcery-related violence stains our society and violates basic human rights.
We urge swift action to arrest the perpetrators and protect innocent lives on Walis Island.

Family Member