A Washington woman faced her parents in court Monday, Aug. 18, as they were sentenced for a brutal assault she endured last October, an attack her mother reportedly watched without intervening.
Ihsan and Zahraa Ali received prison sentences for the October 2024 incident outside their daughter’s high school, according to local KOMO and KING 5.
“You think I’m a disgusting human being, well I think you’re a disgusting monster,” the daughter told her father, according to KOMO. “How can you call yourself a father, you tried to kill me, my dad tried to kill me with his own hands, do you have no love for me?”
The daughter, who asked to remain anonymous in court for her safety, told KING 5 that her father appeared “smiling” while choking her, until other parents and students stepped in.
“I’m going to pray for you to stay in jail and die,” she said to him.
Last month, both Ihsan, 45, and his wife Zahraa, 41, were found not guilty of attempted murder, according to KOMO, KING 5, and The Olympian. Ihsan was convicted of second-degree assault, domestic violence, unlawful imprisonment, and fourth-degree misdemeanor assault. Zahraa was convicted of violating a protection order previously filed by her daughter’s then-boyfriend.
Court reports stated that Ihsan put his daughter in a chokehold and struck her then-16-year-old boyfriend before other students and parents intervened. Witnesses said the daughter suffered a seizure and briefly lost consciousness during the attack, according to KOMO.
Ihsan received a 20-month prison sentence for his convictions, while Zahraa was sentenced to one year.
Outside the courtroom, the daughter told KOMO she feels relieved to be away from the abusive environment.
“I’m glad I’m here,” she said. “I’m still alive. I’m doing things, moving on, but it’s hard to really let go from this family.”
Before adjourning the court, Judge Christine Schaller addressed the daughter directly, offering words of encouragement. “Despite what has happened, you get to define who you are,” she said.
“You have power, and you have strength, and no one can take that away from you,” Judge Schaller added.
