FATHER AND MOTHER JAILED FOR THE BRUTAL MURDER OF TODDLER ZAHRA GHULAMI
The adoptive mother of two-year-old Zahra Ghulami, Roqia Ghulami, was sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of cruelty toward a minor under 16.Evidence presented by the police during the trial revealed previous instances of violence toward her partner, which resulted in a brief incarceration.
During her sentencing, Judge Wall stated that her 'criminality was aimed at causing suffering to her daughter.' The judge also pointed out her abusive relationship and lack of external support, noting she lacked English language skills and was without friends to seek assistance.
Zahra was described as an intelligent and curious child eager to learn, with medical examinations uncovering historical injuries such as skull fractures and healed fractures to her arm and shoulder.
Authorities stated that Zahra suffered devastating injuries inflicted by her adoptive father, Jan Gholami, who was convicted of her murder and cruelty to a child, receiving a minimum sentence of 23-and-a-half years.
The judge commented that Gholami 'habitually' mistreated female family members in a 'brutal and brutish way,' and that instead of seeking help while Zahra was struggling for life, he went to a supermarket, significantly reducing her chances of survival.
Roqia Ghulami, his partner, was also convicted of cruelty and given a two-year sentence; evidence indicated she had previously been violent towards her partner.
The case provoked outrage as it was revealed that Zahra had sustained multiple injuries over time, including a skull fracture caused by a 'significant impact with significant energy.'
