Tunisian TikTok "healer" arrested for rape, blackmail

A recent case involving a self-proclaimed spiritual healer in Tunisia has ignited national outrage, after authorities arrested the man for a string of serious crimes including rape, assault, fraud, and blackmail—carried out under the guise of spiritual treatment through TikTok.

The suspect, who presented himself online as a “spiritual guide,” allegedly used his TikTok platform to target emotionally vulnerable young women, offering to treat spiritual ailments and remove curses. His deceptive online persona masked a darker intent: gaining the trust of his victims to manipulate, exploit, and ultimately abuse them.

The case that sparked the investigation

The investigation began after a university student in her 20s from Monastir, Tunisia filed a complaint. She told authorities that she had contacted the man during a period of intense grief following her father's death. Claiming to be an expert in Islamic spiritual healing (known as ruqyah), the man began online sessions that eventually led to in-person meetings.

During these encounters, he reportedly manipulated her psychological state, falsely promised marriage, and ultimately raped her—resulting in pregnancy. He also filmed their interactions and used the footage to threaten and blackmail her.

Authorities say the same tactics were used with multiple victims. The man preyed on women experiencing emotional or mental distress, exploiting their trust under the pretense of spiritual healing.

Ongoing investigation and public outrage

Following the student’s complaint, law enforcement raided the suspect’s home and found digital evidence supporting the accusations. Prosecutors are now working to identify additional victims and have encouraged others to come forward.

The case has drawn intense backlash on social media, with users expressing outrage under hashtags such as #Tunisia and #TikTok. Many have called for tighter regulation of content on social platforms and harsher penalties for digital predators.

Echoes of an earlier scandal

The case is strikingly similar to the 2022 scandal when a man who used Facebook to target and rape hundreds of women by claiming he could treat infertility and remove black magic. He admitted to sexually assaulting nearly 900 women, a revelation that stunned the nation and highlighted deep legal gaps in protecting women from such exploitation.

Legal loopholes and calls for reform

Tunisian law does not currently criminalize sorcery or spiritual fraud directly, making it difficult to prosecute individuals until they commit acts like rape or extortion. This legal grey area has drawn criticism from rights groups, who are now renewing calls for legislation that explicitly outlaws such practices and offers stronger protections for vulnerable women and girls.

The road ahead

Human rights activists and civil society organizations are urging the government to launch nationwide awareness campaigns focused on the dangers of social media deception, especially among young people. They’re also calling for psychological and legal support services for survivors, to help them speak out without fear of shame or retaliation.