Really? I mean, really?

I have the distinct pleasure of working alongside a colleague of great religious faith, who encourages me that religion and science can indeed co-exist in the world, peacefully.

And then I read this...

Human Rights Watch has appealed to Saudi Arabia to halt the execution of a woman convicted of witchcraft.

read more

FYI - it is, in fact, 2008.

Question - is this about men who actually believe in witchcraft, or is it all about a convenient tool for vengeance, retribution, the disenfranchisement of women, etc. In other words, is this actual belief, or merely convenient?