American world traveler Sam Goodwin will receive $20 million from the Syrian government after enduring 63 days of torture and solitary confinement in one of the Assad regime’s most notorious prisons.
Key Takeaways
- A federal judge awarded Sam Goodwin over $20 million in damages against Syria for his 2019 torture and imprisonment
- Goodwin endured 63 days of captivity including 27 days in solitary confinement with threats of being handed to ISIS
- The judgment includes $10 million each in compensatory and punitive damages under the “state sponsor of terrorism” exception
- Half the judgment will be paid through the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund
- The landmark case establishes accountability for foreign governments that commit human rights abuses against U.S. citizens
Justice Served Against Syrian Regime
In a landmark victory for Americans victimized by foreign regimes, a federal judge has awarded St. Louis native Sam Goodwin more than $20 million in his lawsuit against the Syrian Arab Republic. The judgment comes after Goodwin suffered 63 days of imprisonment and torture in 2019 while attempting to visit Syria as part of his goal to travel to every country in the world. The Washington D.C.-based law firm Miller & Chevalier successfully argued the case under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, utilizing a special exception for designated state sponsors of terrorism like Syria.
“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.
63 Days of Hell in Assad’s Notorious Prison
Goodwin’s ordeal began when he was detained in Qamishli, Syria, where he was visiting as part of his worldwide travel mission. During his captivity, he was held in solitary confinement for 27 days at Syria’s Military Intelligence Branch 215, a facility with a reputation for brutal treatment of prisoners. According to court documents, Goodwin was subjected to torture and repeatedly threatened with being handed over to ISIS. The verdict includes approximately $10 million in compensatory damages and another $10 million in punitive damages, reflecting the severity of his treatment by Syrian officials.
“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, Attorney.
Funding the Judgment Through Terrorist Assets
The judgment’s impact is strengthened by the fact that half of the $20 million award will be payable through the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund, which is financed by sanctions proceeds and other penalties against rogue nations. This mechanism ensures that Goodwin has a realistic path to receiving compensation, unlike many international judgments that remain uncollected. Goodwin’s eventual release was secured through the efforts of his family working with General Abbas Ibrahim, Lebanon’s top security official, along with various U.S. government agencies that coordinated the diplomatic effort to bring him home.
“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.
Setting Precedent for American Victims
The Goodwin verdict continues a growing trend of Americans successfully holding the Syrian regime accountable for its crimes. Miller & Chevalier previously secured a $50 million judgment for another American, Kevin Dawes, who was similarly detained and tortured in Syria. The firm has also filed a lawsuit for the family of Dr. Majd Kamalmaz, alleging his abduction, torture, and killing by Syrian forces. Under President Trump’s administration, America has reestablished its commitment to protecting citizens abroad and holding rogue regimes accountable for their actions against Americans, sending a clear message that such abuses will not be tolerated.
