The American federal state of Connecticut, after almost 400 years, amnesties 12 people convicted of witchcraft during the colonial era, it was announced today from Washington.

A total of 11 were hanged following the Connecticut witchcraft trials in the mid-17th century, and one was spared the death penalty.

Officials of that American state adopted a resolution declaring the victims innocent and condemning the sentences handed down.

The Association of Descendants of the Victims welcomed the decision stating that the descendants campaigned for the posthumous rehabilitation of the convicted ancestors.

Several hundred people, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft in the 17th century.