Authorities have arrested a Muslim family in Nashville, TN, for assaulting a juvenile boy. The boy’s father, mother, and brother were arrested after allegedly beating the boy for converting to Christianity. According to local news, police were sent to the Amber Hills area in Nashville after the juvenile’s employer became concerned and requested a welfare check. Officers arrived just before midnight. The boy informed officers, “[his mother], along with his brother and father, repeatedly punched him and spat in his face. He stated his mother then took a knife and scratched the back of his right hand with it. He stated his family, including his mother, demanded he recant and say he was a Muslim.”

The reports describe the boy as being disheveled and “wide-eyed.” He stated his family had been beating him right before the officers’ arrival on the premises. The juvenile, whose name and age have not been released, was sent to the hospital for treatment. His father, Nick Kadum, 57, and brother, John Kadum, 29, were both charged with domestic assault. The boy’s mother, Rawaa Khawaji, 46, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She reportedly denied that she had cut her son. Reports show that the father and brother were later released from custody while Khawaji remained in custody due to the higher charge. The boy’s whereabouts remain unreported.

The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) notes that conversions to other religions or renunciation of faith completely (apostasy) are extremely dangerous for former Muslims. “Blasphemy and apostasy are included in Hudud crimes, which are the most serious crimes under Islamic law and are considered as transgressions against God,” according to the site. “According to Islamic law, apostasy is punishable by death, imprisonment or confiscation of property, and blasphemy is punishable by death. Conversion from Islam to another faith is also considered a serious offense under Islamic law. Individuals who have committed blasphemy or converted from Islam have three days to withdraw their behaviors or face punishment.” In places like the United States or England, where national law does not adhere to Islamic law, some families have been known to take matters into their own hands. One such incident that can occur is “honor killings,” which typically involve young women being killed by family members, usually a male, for some sort of perceived moral failing, typically of a sexual nature. 20-year-old Noor Almaleki was killed in 2009 in Phoenix by her father, Faleh al-Maleki. Al-Maleki struck his daughter and her friend with his car, hitting his daughter multiple times. The murder appeared to be an honor killing and sparked national attention, including a “48 Hours Mysteries” special. Amnesty International has warned that such acts are becoming more common in the United States.