By the dark side of magic, I am not referring to a band of dark witches and wizards roaming around the countryside terrorizing the locals. Nor am I speaking of Kala Jadoo, Gong Tau, or any of the more grisly magical practices. While this may have painted a picture of a continent replete with nefarious sorcerers, there is no greater proportion of dark wizards in Asia than in any other part of the world.
A more accurate parallel would be to reflect upon the darkest times in our own European history - that of the Inquisitions and the witch trials. That time was quite simply the most horrific period for our people. Unfortunately, that reality still exists today in some parts of Asia. This is the "dark side" of magic I am referring to.
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To illustrate this, we will be taking a brief look at one specific country: India (though this problem is not just confined to this nation). A recent statistic states that over 2,100 suspected witches were killed in the two years between 2000 and 2012 in rural parts of India. Much like in our own history, the vast majority of these women were not in any way magical, but instead mundane victims of jealousy, misunderstanding, and pure spite. While not all of India or its Muggle citizens believe these things or behave in this way, Indian witches and wizards in certain regions of the country must still be very, very careful. While yes, hedge witch practices are common, and the citizens are more open to the idea of magic's existence than those in the Western world, there is a price to be paid. Because many believe in witchcraft, you can still be tried or killed for it here, whereas a person attempting to arrest someone for magic in Great Britain would be laughed out of the courts.
As mentioned, India is, by far, not the only country with serious dangers for magical practitioners. North Korea is also not a recommended location for witches and wizards to travel to, let alone live in. Witches and wizards, or suspected witches and wizards, are often immediately killed upon accusation, however some are spared immediate death in favour of other serious consequences simply for being who they are (or are thought to be). Surviving suspected witches and wizards are sent to concentration and forced labour camps where they are treated like slaves and lab rats. Real witches and wizards can, in most cases, Apparate away from these places. However, the Muggles who have been wrongly accused face a tragic and horrible fate as they ultimately perish from the ordeal.
