American torture victim Sam Goodwin wins unprecedented $20 million judgment against Syria, sending a powerful message to the Assad regime that their brutal treatment of U.S. citizens will not go unpunished or forgotten.
Key Takeaways
- A federal court awarded Sam Goodwin over $20 million in damages against Syria for his 63-day captivity and torture in 2019
- The lawsuit succeeded by using the “state sponsor of terrorism” exception under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act
- Half of the judgment will be funded through the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund, which draws from sanctions proceeds
- Goodwin endured 27 days of solitary confinement in Syria’s notorious Military Intelligence Branch 215 and was threatened with being handed to ISIS
- The landmark case establishes a precedent for other victims of state-sponsored terrorism to pursue justice against oppressive regimes
American Citizen Wins Historic Judgment Against Syrian Regime
A federal judge has ordered the Syrian government to pay more than $20 million to American citizen Sam Goodwin for his unlawful detention and torture in 2019. The landmark ruling includes approximately $10 million in compensatory damages and another $10 million in punitive damages under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act’s “state sponsor of terrorism” exception. This significant legal victory represents one of the few successful attempts by an American citizen to hold the Assad regime accountable for human rights abuses through the U.S. court system, sending a clear message that such atrocities will face financial consequences.
“This judgment is about far more than what happened to me. It’s a stand for anyone who has suffered human rights abuses around the world. I hope it gives other victims the courage to speak up and, above all, serves as a warning that such crimes will not be tolerated or forgotten,” said Sam Goodwin, torture survivor and plaintiff in the case against Syria.
63 Days of Brutal Captivity and Torture
Goodwin’s harrowing ordeal began during his attempt to visit every country in the world. After entering Syria as part of this journey, he was forcibly detained in Qamishli and subsequently subjected to 63 days of imprisonment in Syria’s notorious prison system. For 27 of those days, Goodwin endured solitary confinement in Syria’s Military Intelligence Branch 215, a facility widely known for its brutal treatment of prisoners. During his captivity, he faced torture and was repeatedly threatened with being handed over to ISIS, experiencing physical and psychological trauma that the court recognized as deserving substantial compensation.
“Nations that violate international human rights standards must face consequences, and courageous survivors like Sam help ensure the world does not ignore the atrocities perpetrated by the Assad regime,” said Kirby Behre, lawyer representing Goodwin.
Legal Strategy Creates Path for Other Victims
The Washington D.C.-based law firm Miller & Chevalier secured this victory by challenging the Syrian Arab Republic through a carefully crafted legal strategy. By leveraging the “state sponsor of terrorism” exemption under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, Goodwin’s legal team overcame the typical immunity that foreign governments enjoy in U.S. courts. Half of the judgment will be funded through the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund, which utilizes money collected from sanctions and other penalties against rogue nations. This funding mechanism ensures that victims like Goodwin have a realistic path to receiving at least partial compensation for their suffering.
“While nothing can completely compensate for Sam’s suffering, this represents yet another powerful step forward in the broader effort to confront those responsible for such grave injustices,” said Kirby Behre, attorney at Miller & Chevalier.
Setting Precedent for Accountability
This case represents more than just compensation for one individual; it establishes an important legal precedent for holding terrorist states accountable. Miller & Chevalier has secured other significant judgments against Syria, including a $50 million verdict for American Kevin Dawes. The firm has also filed a lawsuit for the family of Dr. Majd Kamalmaz, accusing Syria of his abduction, torture, and killing. Goodwin’s eventual release was facilitated by General Abbas Ibrahim, Lebanon’s top security official, working in conjunction with Goodwin’s family and various U.S. agencies. This coordinated international effort highlights the complex diplomacy often required when Americans are detained by hostile foreign governments.
As more victims pursue similar legal actions, these judgments collectively strengthen America’s stance against state-sponsored terrorism and create real financial consequences for regimes that abuse human rights. The Trump administration’s commitment to bringing Americans home and holding foreign adversaries accountable continues to provide the policy framework for such successful legal actions against rogue states that threaten American citizens abroad.
