NOT GUILTY WA - Parents try to kidnap daughter over forced marriage - November 3, 2024 (NG of attempted murder; Guilty of lesser charges)

  • #81
The victim’s parents are Iraqis. Arranged and forced marriages are definitely espoused and carried out in their culture. Fact, not opinion. The victim apparently thought that she would be forced to marry someone in Iraq.

Or am I misunderstanding your point?


In general, people in Iraq have little opportunity to make their own choices with regard to marriage. Refusing to marry a man chosen by the family is one of the reasons why honour crimes are perpetrated.
Yes you misunderstand my point. The poster arguing the merits of either forced or arranged marriages, and it seems you as well, are referencing the culture of the perpetrators. Again in my opinion, the victim has embraced a different culture, one which aligns with more of a western value system, including choosing a partner outside of her religion, seeking advice/counsel from secular sources, and disregarding the opinion/dictates of family members. Cultural identity is not a static, stagnant thing; it can certainly change within an individual's lifetime, even multiple times.
 
  • #82
Yes you misunderstand my point. The poster arguing the merits of either forced or arranged marriages, and it seems you as well, are referencing the culture of the perpetrators. Again in my opinion, the victim has embraced a different culture, one which aligns with more of a western value system, including choosing a partner outside of her religion, seeking advice/counsel from secular sources, and disregarding the opinion/dictates of family members. Cultural identity is not a static, stagnant thing; it can certainly change within an individual's lifetime, even multiple times.
Thanks! I see what you’re saying. I was thinking the victim is a “member of a culture” espousing arranged or forced marriage in the sense of being a member of her family’s culture, which was apparently forced on her. And that is what seems to have led to the attack by her parents. The victim’s personal cultural identity has changed, but her family was apparently willing to kill her rather than allow the change. As long as they hold that belief she will not be safe because the family considers her a member of their religion/culture even if she does not.
 
  • #83
Thanks! I see what you’re saying. I was thinking the victim is a “member of a culture” espousing arranged or forced marriage in the sense of being a member of her family’s culture, which was apparently forced on her. And that is what seems to have led to the attack by her parents. The victim’s personal cultural identity has changed, but her family was apparently willing to kill her rather than allow the change. As long as they hold that belief she will not be safe because the family considers her a member of their religion/culture even if she does not.
Oh absolutely, she is not safe. I am so glad they brought the attempted murder charges, and took seriously the level of danger this mindset can bring. I was simply frustrated at the ongoing debate here in the thread, which seemed irrelevant due to the fact that the victim had not chosen to have part of any of that lifestyle (specifically the courting/marriage rituals).
*My opinion.
 
  • #84
The Ali's attempted to kidnap Isaiah, Fatima's boyfriend before the attempted murder:

"The boy’s dad, Victor Barnes, told Daily Mail that the Alis’ daughter and his son, who is Black, began dating in February, but the relationship between both families has been full of conflict. Barnes said that his family had suffered issues with the Alis for months and, at one point, their troubles with the family escalated to an incident that forced them to get a temporary protection order from Zahraa Ali.

Barnes claimed that two weeks before the attack, the girl’s parents made an unsuccessful attempt to kidnap his son from school.


School officials warned Zahraa Ali that her next visit to the school would end in trespassing charges, and Barnes got a restraining order for his son against her.

On the day of the attack, Barnes said the parents visited his home to ask about their child’s whereabouts. When Barnes told the Alis she might be at school, he texted his son to warn him ahead of their arrival."

They are psychos!! And if they cared at all about Fatima they would have made a plea deal.

 
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  • #85
Mother is 1000% guilty of everything charged IMO. WOW what did I just watch/hear!!! @@#%% psychopath!! Unfortunately it was outside jury presence. Praying they get it admitted.
 
  • #86
Mother is 1000% guilty of everything charged IMO. WOW what did I just watch/hear!!! @@#%% psychopath!!
Agreed, and obviously the dad. I'm sitting hear listening to her defense attorney trying to imply she wasn't leading police by saying he was hit in the head. Yeah, leave out the glaring point that he was trying to kill their daughter!!! Unreal. I'm so tired of defense attorneys trying to get guilty people off.
 
  • #87
Not to mention her perfect English when it came to trying to save her husband. Ugh talk about manipulation.
*my opinion.
 
  • #88
Not to mention her perfect English when it came to trying to save her husband. Ugh talk about manipulation.
*my opinion.
OMG YES!!!! Did you notice her and her older daughter's dumbfounded looks when they were served restraining order paperwork, like they had no idea what it was about? That act must have worked for them over the years.
 
  • #89
I haven't seen it yet, my kids were visiting all weekend so didn't get a chance to go looking for a link. If you have one handy please share!
Woo-hoo the footage we were discussing will be admitted!! (minus the one statement from the police about her going to jail).
 
  • #90
Nice! Always nice to see the kids. Glad they are admitting the video, the defense argument was ludicrous. Yes, it's prejudicial because your client is guilty! I found the other video from day 1--Officer Sophal Heang testimony, and although he testifies about the attempted murder day, it includes when the restraining order paperwork was delivered at their home prior, at about 4:55 point.

Now the defense attorney is complaining about this trial being called "attempted honor killing" in the media. So, the defense won't be happy until we live in a hermetically sealed society without exposure to the outside world. Why are they concerned when it's an apt description?!? Change what the Ali's tried to do, and then the label will change.
 
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  • #91
I'm so tired of defense attorneys trying to get guilty people off.
Yes, you’ve mentioned this on another thread. Quite honestly, I’m really tired of people, even at the highest levels of government, undermining our judicial system. IMO It’s really important for all of us to understand our legal system and our rights.

EVERYONE, guilty or not, is entitled to a defense. Perhaps the charges are excessive or inaccurate (Karen Read). Someone may be guilty of part of the charge, but not all. It is up to the prosecution to prove guilt. But no matter how guilty someone looks to the general public, there may be circumstances that we are not aware of. A defendant needs someone versed in the law to help them navigate the system. Otherwise, we might just as well not bother with trials.

I understand how frustrating it is when someone clearly guilty “gets off.” It would be nice if they would accept responsibility and take their punishment (some do). However, it’s much worse if someone who is innocent is found guilty of a crime they did not commit. It is not a perfect system, but it is the best we have IMO.

Here is some basic information, but I suggest that anyone who doesn’t understand the rights of a defendant should educate themselves further.

What Is The Role Of A Defense Attorney?​

In the U.S. justice system, everyone is entitled to a vigorous legal defense. In most cases, this defense is headed up by an experienced defense attorney. However, many people don’t really know what a defense attorney does.
BBM

The Basics of the Defense Attorney Role

A defense attorney represents a defendant in court proceedings. They most often appear in criminal court when the defendant has been accused of committing a crime like a burglary or murder. Whether the charges against the defendant are a misdemeanor or a major felony, they are entitled to vigorous legal defense, and it is the job of the defense attorney to provide this.
BBM

Trial Services​

When negotiations and plea bargains fail, the defense attorney prepares to represent their client in court. Utilizing deposition transcripts and the evidence, the defense attorney builds a strategy to protect their client’s rights. The prosecution is responsible for proving to a jury that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. While the defense does not have the burden of proving their client’s innocence, they are free to present evidence that shows their client’s innocence or that could cast doubt of the client’s guilt in the minds of the jury.
BBM
 
  • #92
It sure seems that the defendants have no case. Attorneys go thru the motions of asking questions but even they seem resigned no case. As for the jurors especially a couple of them have clearly seen the Court TV headline photo with Honor Killing...you can't miss it if you are on social media and one saw at the security. I think the jurors know what is going on with the Ali family. Boy Mr. Ali looks bad today and even more angry like he wants to jump out from behind that table.
Is Fatima in the courtroom..I assume so but don't know for sure.
 
  • #93
Yes, you’ve mentioned this on another thread. Quite honestly, I’m really tired of people, even at the highest levels of government, undermining our judicial system. IMO It’s really important for all of us to understand our legal system and our rights.

EVERYONE, guilty or not, is entitled to a defense. Perhaps the charges are excessive or inaccurate (Karen Read). Someone may be guilty of part of the charge, but not all. It is up to the prosecution to prove guilt. But no matter how guilty someone looks to the general public, there may be circumstances that we are not aware of. A defendant needs someone versed in the law to help them navigate the system. Otherwise, we might just as well not bother with trials.

I understand how frustrating it is when someone clearly guilty “gets off.” It would be nice if they would accept responsibility and take their punishment (some do). However, it’s much worse if someone who is innocent is found guilty of a crime they did not commit. It is not a perfect system, but it is the best we have IMO.

Here is some basic information, but I suggest that anyone who doesn’t understand the rights of a defendant should educate themselves further.

What Is The Role Of A Defense Attorney?​

In the U.S. justice system, everyone is entitled to a vigorous legal defense. In most cases, this defense is headed up by an experienced defense attorney. However, many people don’t really know what a defense attorney does.
BBM

The Basics of the Defense Attorney Role

A defense attorney represents a defendant in court proceedings. They most often appear in criminal court when the defendant has been accused of committing a crime like a burglary or murder. Whether the charges against the defendant are a misdemeanor or a major felony, they are entitled to vigorous legal defense, and it is the job of the defense attorney to provide this.
BBM

Trial Services​

When negotiations and plea bargains fail, the defense attorney prepares to represent their client in court. Utilizing deposition transcripts and the evidence, the defense attorney builds a strategy to protect their client’s rights. The prosecution is responsible for proving to a jury that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. While the defense does not have the burden of proving their client’s innocence, they are free to present evidence that shows their client’s innocence or that could cast doubt of the client’s guilt in the minds of the jury.
BBM
Sorry if my irritation with guilty people not accepting responsibility is tiresome. I know enough about the legal system, and didn't require the info you posted. Maybe someone else will find it useful.
 
  • #94
Sorry if my irritation with guilty people not accepting responsibility is tiresome. I know enough about the legal system, and didn't require the info you posted. Maybe someone else will find it useful.
Just for the record, I was responding to your irritation that defense attorneys are doing their jobs. That is what caused me to believe that the information about the U.S. legal system needed to be posted. As you apparently know, the presumption of innocence is a basic legal principle. It is up to the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and a vigorous defense is everyone’s right, even when their guilt seems clear. IMO it is extremely dangerous to the legal rights of all of us to believe that a vigorous defense is irritating.

I certainly hope that others will find this type of information useful. We all need to be aware of our rights in these very dangerous times.
JMO

 
  • #95
  • #96

DAILY TRIAL HIGHLIGHTS​

DAY 5 – 7/21/25​

DAY 4 – 7/17/25​

  • VIDEO: WA v. Ihsan & Zahrra Ali, Day 4 | Attempted ‘Honor Killing’ Trial
  • Forensic Nurse Examiner Senovia Rivas stated that she specializes in strangulation, particularly symptoms that are not visible.
    • Recalled that Fatima reported that her dad had grabbed her hoodie and placed her in a headlock; mom grabbed her neck with her hands; she thought she was going to die.
    • Rivas detailed symptoms of strangulation: Dizziness, numbness, headache, memory issues (“life flashing before eyes”), visual changes, sore throat, difficulty swallowing/breathing/speaking, hyperventilation, and pain in neck/shoulder/hip.
    • Rivas said she observed petechiae (small red spots) on her eye and face, abrasions and discoloration on neck and shoulder.
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Lisa Wahl, who works at the Providence Abuse and Intervention Center, testified that she has performed dozens of strangulation exams.
    • Said she examined Fatima a few weeks after she was initially treated in the ER. At that time, Fatima still had symptoms: Blurry vision (had gotten orse since strangulation), especially when stressed.
    • Fatima also had jaw/neck pain, and had to move slowly due to trauma recall. Said Fatima was still having neck pain as of December 5, 2024.
  • Emergency Physician Dr. Jennifer Stankus reviewed Fatima’s medical records, police reports, and bus videos.
    • Explained what Pneumomediastinum is: Air trapped in chest cavity; can be caused by blunt trauma, not commonly seen in strangulation. She believes Fatima’s case was mild, required only observation and antibiotics.
  • WATCH: Attempted ‘Honor Killing’ Trial: Day 4 Recap

DAY 3 – 7/16/25​

  • VIDEO: WA v. Ihsan & Zahrra Ali, Day 3 | Attempted ‘Honor Killing’ Trial
  • Fatima told jurors that she was “afraid” to talk to her parents and knew they would not like that she was dating.
  • “Isiah” told jurors that he met Fatima in his freshman year of school, and they began dating in his junior year. They had been dating for almost a year when Fatima’s family found out she was dating.
    • WATCH: Fatima’s Boyfriend Admits He Knew She Wasn’t Allowed to Date
    • “Isiah” was surprised to see Fatima at school. He described her as “tired,” like she had not slept.
    • Counselors at Timberline High School asked “Isiah” to escort Fatima to the bus stop after school. As they walked along the path, they noticed a vehicle the same make and model as Ihsan Ali’s, and “hoped” that it was a student’s vehicle. The truck followed them to the bus stop and parked nearby.
    • Fatima was visibly “shaking” when told her father was at the school.
    • WATCH: Boyfriend: Fatima ‘Started Shaking’ Upon Learning Dad Was Outside School
    • According to “Isiah,” Ihsan and Fatima began speaking softly. He remained near Fatima, offering support, and started rubbing her back. As they turned to board the bus, Ihsan grabbed Fatima by the hoodie. Isiah tried to separate them, and that’s when her father “sucker punched” him and “flew back a bit.” Ihsan turned and grabbed Fatima by her shoulders. When Isiah got up off the ground, he went over to them and began punching Ihsan Ali. He broke his hand in the process of saving Fatima.
    • “Isiah” said that Ihsan Ali “looked angry” when he had his daughter in a chokehold.
    • “Isiah” became emotional when describing how Fatima’s “face was looking pale, and her eyes were rolling back.”
  • An eyewitness, “Zayla,” said she witnessed Ihsan Ali punch Isiah and then grab his daughter and put her into a chokehold. She told jurors that Fatima’s “lips turned purple.”
  • “Caleb”, an eyewitness, said that “Isiah,” Fatima’s boyfriend, was trying to “de-antagonize” the situation.
  • Another eyewitness, “Athena,” said that Fatima Ali was wearing baggy clothing and a COVID mask to conceal her identity and was carrying a lot of bags.
    • “Athena” described trying to help free Fatima from her father’s grasp and dragging her and pulling her up after her father, Ihsan Ali, let go of Fatima.
    • Zahraa Ali was screaming and crying at the sight of her husband and daughter on the ground. After Fatima was free, Zahraa tried to grab her daughter and place her arms around Fatima’s chest and neck.
  • Detective Julie Mullen took the stand and confirmed she assisted in the investigation, including gathering medical records and conducting interviews (including interviews with both Fatima and Isiah).
  • WATCH: Attempted ‘Honor Killing’ Trial: Day 3 Recap

DAY 2 – 7/15/25​

DAY 1 – 7/14/25​

Parts of this story were reported by a journalist and converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
 
  • #97
"When asked on cross-examination, Dr. Kim said the amount of force to “Fatima’s” neck was similar to a 'firm handshake.' ”

This is another good example of attempts to mislead jurors by the defense. The prosecution should have followed up with "Was the amount of forced used by Ali enough to kill her?"
 
  • #98
Sorry if my irritation with guilty people not accepting responsibility is tiresome. I know enough about the legal system, and didn't require the info you posted. Maybe someone else will find it useful.
I have often repeated my opinions and read others who have expressed repetitions over time. It isn't tiresome to me. It just reminds me of your thinking. Hang in.
 
  • #99

7/15/25

On Tuesday, jurors heard from the victim in this case for the first time as she described the day her father attacked her outside Timberline High School in October 2024.

The victim described to the jury the day her dad attacked her she was supposed to leave for Iraq, a trip she said she didn’t want to take because she felt unsafe and was afraid she would never be able to return to the U.S.

[...]

Court records reveal that the teenager had been threatened with an "honor killing" by her father after she refused to travel abroad to Iraq for an arranged marriage with an older man.

"No matter what I say it doesn’t really change," the victim testified in court, explaining why she did not tell her parents she did not want to go back to Iraq.

During testimony, the victim described how she ran away from home early that morning, packing up her things and leaving home with just $100. She told the jury she went to a place where she felt safe, which was at school.

She then went to speak with her old counselor at Timberline High School who helped arrange a safe place to stay at a non-profit and was heading to that youth residential center when her father confronted her near the bus stop outside the school and began choking her.
__________________

ETA: Take note the allegation by the victim (Fatima) that she was ever threatened with an "honor killing" by her father has not been admitted as evidence in this trial.
 
  • #100
In watching the video of Mr. Ali at the scene it is so obvious his feeling that both Mrs. Ali and Haneen are to do exactly as he says and he seems very extreme in the view that men own women in his country. I assume the other daughters must have found partners that meet his standards or they would be victims too. Boy like to hear what really goes on in that home. He just seems dangerous.
 

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