Winter Solstice

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Hate Campaign Against Witches

 
Toni Hunt and her staff at 'Spellbound' in College Green, Gloucester, say they have been called terrorists and devil worshippers and have received death threats, and they are victims of a hate campaign.
 
They have reported the crimes but feel the police they are not taking the crimes seriously because of their beliefs.
Ms Hunt says they have been targeted for abuse for about two years but  recently a threat was made to burn down the premises - with the staff still inside.
"I have reported such incidents on numerous occasions but when the police arrive they tell ne that people are just expressing opinions," she said.
"If we were members any other religion or group it would be treated as hate crime and dealt with appropriately.
 
"Persecution of witches did not end centuries ago - it is still very prominent in the 21st century and we are being subjected to it regularly.
"Over the last twelve months there is one particular lady who has targeted the shop. We have her on CCTV but nothing seems to be done about it and my two staff members are fearful of her.
"We have been called all sorts - Black Magic Badger Killers, Spawn of Satan and in the same league as ISIS to name just a few. It's just not acceptable.
"I have two lovely staff members here. They are just young girls and they are regularly being mocked and laughed at due to their beliefs and the way they dress. 
"I accept everyone has their own beliefs but I do not accept someone being persecuted because of them. I believe if this was a mosque or a church being targeted far more would be done but we are just not taken seriously."
Toni says the one individual who has caused the most problems has been seen outside apparently praying for them - whilst at the same time insulting the staff. The shop has been defaced with substances smeared all over the door and windows.
"One incident, where we arrived to find what appeared to be glue all over the outside of the shop, was caught on CCTV and has been reported to the police but still nothing has been done and we have to continually face each day wondering what we will be subjected to next.
"All I really want is the police to realise the gravity of the situation. This isn't just someone saying they disagree with our beliefs, this is harassment and hate crime. We are being verbally abused, our property damaged and no one is being held to account - so it continues."
Gloucester Local Policing Sergeant Matt Puttock said "One of my officers, PC Adams, has been working with Spellbound to understand the issues and provide support.
"We are attempting to identify the suspect from the CCTV images and PC Adams has regularly visited the owners of the shop since reporting these incidents.
"PC Adams also works closely with Gloucester City Safe and has liaised between the two so that City Safe can provide further support. We will continue to work with Spellbound to ensure we are well placed to assist them should problems re-occur."
County Hate Crime Co-ordinator PC Steph Lawrence urged anyone who feels they have been the victim of hate crime to report it. (Just don't expect much if your Pagan)
But Steph goes on to say, "If a crime has occurred we will investigate and gather all available evidence to assist in any prosecution," she said.