- The teenage boy was being monitored by authorities when his employer flagged the situation to them after he became concerned
- The boy's nuclear family was arrested on several domestic violence charges. It is not clear where the victim currently resides
A Muslim family was arrested in Nashville after a child victim told law enforcement authorities that his parents and brother physically assaulted him for converting to Christianity.
According to the warrant, the minor was punched in the face and spit on by his father Nick Kadum, 57, mother Rawaa Khawaji, 46, and brother John Kadum, 29. The boy was also “haphazardly cut” with lumps on his face.
The mother, Khawaji, is also accused of cutting one of the boy's hands with a knife.
The young man was reportedly told by his family that he had to renounce Christianity and rededicate himself to Islam.
Nick Kadum, the teen's father, 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 assault
His 29-year-old brother, John Kadum, was arrested along with his parents for participating in the abuse.
The family's home in a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee
According to WZTV, his mother, “along with his brother and father, repeatedly hit him and spat in his face.”
'He stated that his mother then took a knife and scratched the back of his right hand with it. He stated that his family, including his mother, demanded that he recant his statement and say that he was Muslim.”
Law enforcement officers conducted a welfare check on December 11 after learning of the situation through the teen's employer, who expressed concerns.
When a member of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department arrived at the suburban Tennessee home, they found the boy “shaking and wide-eyed” with “disheveled” hair.
He said the attacks continued until police arrived.
His injuries included lumps on his face and visible scratches. He described being shocked by the ordeal.
The minor was taken to hospital and his parents – Nick Kadum and Rawaa Khawaji – and brother, John Kadum, were booked and charged in the incident.
Khawaji was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Nick and John were charged with domestic violence.
Online records show that Nick and John were released on Tuesday afternoon, while Khawaji remained in custody for a little longer.
It is not clear where the victim is currently staying.