Tragedy in Beni Khedache: Elderly Woman Killed by Son with Severe Mental Health Issues
The region of Beni Khedache, in the governorate of Medenine, is reeling in shock after a heinous crime. A man suffering from severe mental health issues strangled his elderly mother in their rural home. According to Mustapha Abdelkebir, President of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, the suspect, who lived alone with the victim, had been undergoing neurological treatment for years.
The tragedy is believed to have been triggered by a severe crisis caused by a disruption in treatment and a shortage of psychiatric medications. After the incident, the individual approached his neighbors with a chilling calmness to request help in burying the body, which immediately alerted the authorities.
Beyond the horror, this incident serves as a wake-up call for the state of mental health in Tunisia. For the Observatory, the perpetrator is both a victim and a criminal. The lack of mandatory housing centers and the shortage of psychiatric medications in marginalized areas create situations of mortal danger. An urgent appeal is made to the Ministry of Health to secure medical follow-up for unstable patients and prevent further tragedies.
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