Lawyer Omar Hasan Al Zahid Pleads Guilty to Harassment

Toronto lawyer Omar Hasan Al Zahid, 31, has pleaded guilty to criminal harassment after using private sex videos to pressure his 30-year-old former girlfriend to end her pregnancy. The case, heard by Justice Miriam Bloomenfeld in the Ontario Court of Justice in Scarborough, began as what seemed like a normal relationship but turned into a disturbing story of manipulation and threats. Al Zahid was originally charged with extortion and assault, but he later admitted guilt to harassment. His sentencing is scheduled for April 30, and both the Crown, represented by Alexandra Rowell, and his defense lawyer, Arif Hussain, will present a joint sentencing proposal. The case has raised difficult questions about consent, reproductive freedom, and the ethical responsibilities of professionals in trusted positions.

Relationship Turns Into Control

The relationship began on Valentine’s Day 2018 after the woman was introduced to Al Zahid through her previous landlord. Soon after they began dating, she was evicted, and Al Zahid stepped in to become her new landlord. This shift gave him both emotional and financial power over her, creating a clear imbalance that would later play a major role in the harassment. The couple grew close, and during their time together, he recorded explicit videos and took intimate photos of her with her consent at the time. However, those recordings later became a form of leverage.

In April 2019, the woman took a pregnancy test in Al Zahid’s law office, which came back positive. When she told him the result, instead of offering support, he immediately demanded that she get an abortion. She refused, explaining that she could not end the pregnancy because she believed the baby already had a heartbeat. That disagreement marked the beginning of a downward spiral. What had started as a romantic relationship quickly turned into one driven by threats, control, and emotional pressure.

Threats and Harassment

After the woman refused to end her pregnancy, Al Zahid’s behavior changed drastically. He began sending her repeated text messages demanding that she have an abortion and even claimed she did not have his “permission” to continue the pregnancy. The messages became more aggressive over time and were filled with controlling language that showed he was determined to get his way. Later, he confronted her in the lobby of her building, holding a thumb drive that contained the intimate videos they had recorded together. He used this as a threat, implying that he would expose her if she did not do what he wanted.

These actions created serious fear and emotional distress for the woman. Under Canadian law, repeated contact, intimidation, or threats that cause a person to fear for their safety are considered criminal harassment. Realizing that his behavior had crossed the line, the woman decided to go to the police and report him. She went to 41 Division in Scarborough, where she provided the messages and explained what had happened. Police laid charges of extortion and assault, which were later changed to harassment after a plea deal. By pleading guilty, Al Zahid accepted responsibility for his conduct, saving the victim from having to relive the trauma during a full trial.

Legal Consequences

Al Zahid’s guilty plea means he will now face sentencing at the end of April. He could receive probation, community service, or other conditions depending on what both lawyers agree to recommend to the judge. Under Canadian law, harassment can lead to up to ten years in prison, though sentences are usually lower for first-time offenders. However, Al Zahid’s position as a lawyer makes this case more serious, since lawyers are expected to uphold strong ethical and professional standards. The Law Society of Ontario may open its own investigation into his behavior, and if they find that he violated professional conduct rules, he could lose his licence to practice law.

The case highlights how professional authority can be abused when personal relationships and power mix. It also shows that being in a respected position does not shield anyone from legal consequences. Al Zahid’s reputation in Toronto’s legal community has already suffered, and regardless of his sentence, the damage to his career is likely permanent.

Sentencing and Accountability

When deciding on the sentence, Justice Bloomenfeld will consider several key factors, including whether Al Zahid shows genuine remorse for his actions, how deeply the victim was affected, and how the case might influence public confidence in the justice system. The victim’s emotional distress, the repeated harassment, and the misuse of private videos are all serious aggravating factors. He is expected to receive a no-contact order preventing him from reaching out to the woman in any way, and he may also be required to attend counseling about consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships.

There has also been growing discussion in Canada about reproductive coercion, which refers to any attempt to pressure or force someone into making decisions about pregnancy against their will. Some lawmakers have called for stronger penalties in such cases, noting that emotional manipulation and threats can be just as damaging as physical force.

The Victim’s Strength

Despite the enormous pressure she faced, the woman decided to continue her pregnancy and give birth to her child. Her decision showed great courage and determination, especially given the emotional and financial stress she was under. After she reported the harassment, she received support from police officers, victim services, and community organizations that help women in similar situations. She has chosen not to speak publicly about the case, preferring to protect her privacy and focus on raising her child and moving forward with her life.

Her quiet strength throughout the process has been praised by advocates who say that reporting this kind of abuse takes bravery, especially when the abuser is someone with power, education, and influence. Her case serves as a reminder that seeking help is possible and that the law does protect victims of coercion and harassment.

Ethical and Social Impact

For Al Zahid, this case represents a major breach of both personal and professional ethics. As a lawyer, he had a duty to act with honesty and integrity, and his actions stand in complete opposition to those values. The case has also reignited conversations within the legal community about how professionals are trained to understand power dynamics and consent. Many experts believe that ethics training should include real discussions about relationships, privacy, and personal responsibility to prevent similar abuses of power in the future.

This situation also reflects a wider social problem: the misuse of digital content in relationships. Private photos and videos, once shared in trust, can become tools of control and intimidation when relationships break down. It is a reminder that consent to record something does not mean consent to use or share it later, and that everyone has the right to revoke consent at any time.

A Stand for Justice

In the end, this case is about much more than one lawyer’s fall from grace. It is about a woman who refused to be silenced and chose to stand up for her right to make her own choices. Her courage, combined with the justice system’s response, sends a clear message that power and privilege do not excuse abusive behavior. As sentencing approaches, this case will continue to serve as a reminder that true justice protects autonomy, respects consent, and holds even the most powerful accountable for their actions. Her decision to carry her pregnancy to term and move forward with her life stands as a quiet but powerful symbol of strength, resilience, and hope.

Written by

Finn Morgan

Updated

3 months ago

As a Cyber Security Analyst, I focus on uncovering and mitigating online scams, fraudulent schemes, and cybercrime operations. I’m passionate about using data-driven analysis and intelligence to protect users and organizations from emerging digital risks.