Texas high school student ran away from home after being abused and beaten by her parents because she refused an arranged marriage.
Maarib Al Hishmawi, 16, whose parents reported her as missing in late January, was found in mid-March, Fox News reported.
She was last seen leaving Taft High School in Bexar County on January 30
Maarib Al Hishmawi, 16, ran away from home after being abused and beaten by her parents because she refused an arranged marriage
Al Hishmawi was discovered by an organization in mid-March who took her in and looked after her.
Police revealed her parents, Abdulah Fahmi Al Hishmawi, 34, and Hamdiyah Saha Al Hishmawi, 33, allegedly beat her with a broomstick and poured hot cooking oil on her when she refused to marry a man in another city.
Apparently the parents agreed to the arranged marriage in exchange for $20,000.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said on Friday: ‘This young lady, at various times over that time period was subjected to some pretty bad abuse because she didn’t want to be married to this person.’
‘Several times it was reported to us that this young lady was abused with hot cooking oil being thrown on her body. She was beat with broomsticks,’ Salazar added.
Abdulah Fahmi Al Hishmawi, 34, (left) and Hamdiyah Saha Al Hishmawi, 33, (right) were taken into custody on Friday and face charges of continuous violence against a family member
‘At least at one point, she was choked almost to the point of unconsciousness.’
Al Hishmawi was placed under Child Protective Services custody along with her five siblings, who are between the ages 5 and 15.
The parents were taken into custody on Friday and face charges of continuous violence against a family member.
The man who was arranged to be married to Al Hishmawi may also be charged in the case.