In a case that has stirred public outrage in Kuwait, a 9-year-old elementary school student died in a classroom on Monday after alleged mistreatment from his teacher, according to Gulf News.
Authorities have thus launched an ongoing investigation into Eissa Thamer Al Baloushi's death, Kuwait's Minister of Education and Higher Education announced on Tuesday.
According to some reports, Al Baloushi, who suffered from a heart condition and had recently recovered from a heart surgery, was scolded and beaten on his chest by his Egyptian teacher.
The series of events that led to the young boy's death at the Omar Ibn Al Aas school are yet to be confirmed.
A source told Alrai news outlet that the teacher in question refused to allow the student to go to the restroom, which he has to use frequently due to his condition.
According to Gulf News, Minister of Education Hamid Al Azmi said the teacher also hit Al Baloushi on his chest.
Meanwhile, the acting principal of the educational district Laila Al Sharif said the student died of natural causes. Al Sharif claimed the teacher did not hit the deceased but only "pulled him from his shirt".
After being scolded in front of his peers, Al Baloushi sobbed for hours and exhibited great distress. He was eventually taken to the hospital, where he died later that day.
In response to the public outcry, the education ministry announced that the ministries of health and education, as well as the Fatwa and Legislation Department, will take part in the ongoing investigation into the incident.
The ministry added the teacher has been suspended from her job pending investigation.
"The ministry asserts that it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to maintain the security and safety of our students," the ministry stated.
Meanwhile, the father of the deceased accused the teacher of ill-treatment, noting that the school was informed of his son's health condition.
The father added that he is planning to file a lawsuit against the ministry, the school's administration, along with the teacher in question.
Al Baloushi's death has sparked an uproar within Kuwaiti society, with many people taking to social media to urge authorities to take action against those responsible.
People find the entire incident unsettling
Heartbreaking is an understatement
"The teacher is not the only one responsible"
"We should not remain silent"
"We should not remain silent about Eissa Al Baloushi's death at the Omar Ibn Al Aas school. All those responsible for his death, especially the teacher, should face punishment. The school's administration should also face the consequences of its negligence."