The Arkansas Court of Appeals has upheld a ten-year protection order against Dawood Sayyed, affirming the claims of domestic violence made by his wife, Chiraz S. Amrine. The court's decision, delivered on October 21, 2026, is significant for families facing similar situations of domestic abuse, as it reinforces the legal protections available to victims.
This case began when Amrine filed for a domestic order of protection on February 25, 2025. She alleged that she and their three minor children had been subjected to ongoing domestic violence and child abuse by Sayyed. The details she provided included severe physical violence, threats to her life, and abusive behavior towards their toddler. The court's ruling is crucial as it highlights the seriousness of domestic violence and the importance of legal recourse for victims.
In the initial filing, Amrine described several alarming incidents. She stated that Sayyed had punched her in the head with a boxing glove, thrown her against a wall, and choked her. She also detailed how he threatened to kill her and flee to India, and described instances of physical abuse towards their two-year-old son. Following these allegations, a one-year ex parte order of protection was issued, which was later extended to a ten-year final order after a hearing on May 20, 2025.
The court's decision to uphold the protection order came after Sayyed appealed the ruling, challenging the court's questioning of witnesses, the validity of the order, and the sufficiency of evidence presented. The court found that Amrine's testimony was credible and sufficient to support the issuance of the protection order. The judges involved in the decision included Waymond M. Brown, with agreement from judges Harrison and Barrett.
In the court's opinion, it stated, "The final order of protection entered by the court on May 22, 2025, clearly states, 'This Order is Effective Until: 05/21/2035.'" This statement directly addressed Sayyed's argument that the order lacked a definite duration. The court emphasized that the protection order was valid and supported by the evidence presented during the hearing.
Amrine's testimony was central to the court's decision. She described a pattern of escalating violence, including a specific incident where Sayyed choked her while she was holding their toddler. She also recounted threats made against her life and the abusive treatment of their child. The court noted that her testimony did not need to be corroborated by medical reports or police documentation, as the credibility of witnesses is determined by the fact-finder.
The court ruled that Sayyed had committed acts of domestic violence against both Amrine and their toddler, creating a reasonable fear for the safety of their other children. The ruling reinforces the legal framework in place to protect individuals from domestic abuse, emphasizing that the court takes such allegations seriously.
This ruling has significant implications for victims of domestic violence in Arkansas and beyond. It serves as a reminder of the legal protections available to those who face abuse and the importance of taking such claims seriously. The court's decision may encourage more victims to seek help and utilize the legal system to protect themselves and their children.
Looking ahead, the ruling can potentially be appealed to the Arkansas Supreme Court, although details on whether Sayyed plans to pursue further legal action were not available in the court filing. The case highlights ongoing issues surrounding domestic violence and the legal measures that can be taken to ensure the safety of victims and their families.