The 35-year-old had accused the two women of hexing him. A villager reported that the mother ground animals such as worms and chickens as well as herbs and mixed them into her turkey soup. The man drank the broth and went crazy.
“People said they weren’t allowed to do that,” the villager said. Because that is yes witchcraft. “Everyone agreed that they should pay the fine by November 2nd at the latest.”
The punishment-setting meeting was peaceful and lasted about three hours, he added. The two women were neither locked up nor beaten.
In many indigenous communities in Mexico, decisions are made by indigenous self-government in accordance with customs and traditions. There are separate committees and arbitration tribunals for this purpose. As a rule, the state authorities respect the decisions made in this way.
