- The teenager was checked by authorities when his employer reported the situation to them after becoming concerned.
- The boy’s nuclear family was arrested on various domestic violence charges – it is unclear where the victim currently resides
A Muslim family was arrested in Nashville after a minor victim told law enforcement that his parents and brother physically abused him because he converted to Christianity.
The juvenile was punched in the face and spat on by his father Nick Kadum, 57, his mother Rawaa Khawaji, 46, and his brother John Kadum, 29, according to the arrest warrant. The boy had also been “randomly cut” with bumps on his face.
The mother, Khawaji, was also accused of cutting one of the boy’s hands with a knife.
His family reportedly asked the young man to renounce his Christianity and recommit to Islam.
Nick Kadum, the teen’s father, who was arrested earlier this month on domestic violence charges.
The boy’s mother, Rawaa Khawaji, was also arrested for cutting the boy’s hand with a knife during the attack.
Her 29-year-old brother, John Kadum, was also arrested along with his parents for participating in the abuse.
The family home in a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee
According to WZTV, his mother, “along with his brother and father, hit him several times and spat in his face.”
“He said his mother then took a knife and scratched the back of her right hand with it. He said his family, including his mother, asked him to recant and state that he was Muslim.
The police carried out a social check on December 11 after becoming aware of the situation through the teenager’s employer, who expressed his concern.
When a Nashville Metropolitan Police officer arrived at the suburban Tennessee home, they found the boy “trembling and wide-eyed” with “disheveled” hair.
He said the attacks continued until law enforcement arrived.
His injuries included facial bumps and visible scratches. He described being shaken by the ordeal.
The juvenile was taken to hospital and his parents – Nick Kadum and Rawaa Khawaji – and brother John Kadum were taken into custody and charged over the incident.
Khawaji was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Nick and John were accused of domestic violence.
Online records show Nick and John were released Tuesday afternoon, while Khawaji remained in custody a little longer.
It is unknown where the victim currently resides.
