12-year-old boy Tunisian boy dies after 'faith healing' session over failing school grades

The unidentified boy's mother, a school teacher, was not satisfied with the grades of her son, who had a learning disability and respiratory problems, according to the reports.

The mother subsequently sought the help of a faith healer, resulting in the session that killed her child.

The boy was allegedly taken to the healer's bathroom, where she proceeded to plunge his head and limbs in scorching hot water, local media reported.

The child began experiencing a seizure during the session and was taken to a health clinic, where he died.

Following the tragedy, the boy's mother and the healer were arrested by police for interrogation.

The mother was permitted to attend her son's funeral on Saturday before returning to custody.

Tunisian media outlets have described the session as "quackery" and the healer as a "charlatan".

Faith healing is permitted in Islam because it is performed using the word of God through recitation of the Quran. However, the practice can lead to abuse, particularly of those with mental health issues.

Last month, a 10-year-old Algerian girl died after suffering blows and burns during a faith healing session.