Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
A Washington, D.C.-based law firm has successfully secured a judgment exceeding $20 million against the Syrian Arab Republic for the torture endured by Sam Goodwin, a St. Louis native. Goodwin was held captive in Syria’s notorious prison system for 63 days while attempting to fulfill a personal goal of visiting every country in the world.
U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly awarded Goodwin a total of $20,201,620 in damages. The judgment includes approximately $10 million each for compensatory and punitive damages under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act’s exemption for state sponsors of terrorism.
An important aspect of this ruling is that about half of the awarded amount is accessible through the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund. This fund is financed by proceeds from sanctions and other penalties. Depending on the fund’s balance, Goodwin might receive a portion of these compensatory damages over several years.
Kirby Behre, a member of Miller & Chevalier’s litigation department and lead counsel for Goodwin, stated that nations violating international human rights standards must face consequences. He emphasized the symbolic value of this ruling, noting that survivors like Goodwin play a crucial role in ensuring that the world does not overlook violations perpetrated by the Assad regime.
Behre elaborated that while no amount can truly compensate for Goodwin’s suffering, the ruling represents a significant stride in the global effort to confront those responsible for such grave injustices.
Goodwin’s Journey to Syria
Goodwin entered war-torn Syria from Iraq in 2019 as part of his quest to visit every country worldwide. He initially stayed in Qamishli, a city located on the Turkey-Syria border, under the belief that it was controlled by U.S.-backed Kurdish forces.
While on a FaceTime call with his mother, Ann, he was detained by masked men in military uniforms at a roundabout close to his hotel.
In his own words, Goodwin recounted his experience, stating, “I was taken into the basement of a facility that I now know is called Syria’s Military Intelligence [Branch] number 215, which is notoriously known for housing political prisoners. I was held there in solitary confinement for 27 days.”
Conditions During Captivity
Goodwin described the inhumane conditions he faced during his captivity. He mentioned the lack of human interaction, stating that the only moments of contact he experienced were brief instances when guards delivered bread, boiled potatoes, and water.
His legal team reported that he was subjected to torture at Branch 215 and faced prolonged interrogation sessions, during which an interrogator threatened to turn him over to ISIS after he denied being a spy.
Collaborative Efforts for His Release
His eventual release was orchestrated by General Abbas Ibrahim, the top security official in Lebanon at the time. He was connected to Goodwin’s family by Joseph Abbas, a relative of a friend of Goodwin’s sister.
Goodwin’s family worked tirelessly, collaborating with various agencies including the FBI, CIA, State Department, and even Vatican envoys in their efforts to secure his safe return. Their determination and proactive measures were critical in navigating the complex world of international diplomacy to bring him home.
A Message of Hope and Resilience
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Goodwin emphasized that the judgment extends far beyond his personal experience. He views it as a stand for all individuals who have suffered human rights abuses globally. He hopes it will inspire other victims to speak out and serves as a warning that such heinous acts will not go unpunished.
Miller & Chevalier has previously secured judgments against the Syrian government, including a notable $50 million award in 2023 for Kevin Dawes, another American who faced illegal detention and torture in Syria.
In July, the firm also filed a lawsuit on behalf of the family of Dr. Majd Kamalmaz. Dr. Kamalmaz, a psychotherapist and humanitarian, was detained at a government checkpoint in Damascus in 2017. The lawsuit accuses the Syrian government of his abduction, torture, and murder.
A Broader Fight Against Injustice
The settlements reached in these cases highlight a growing recognition of the plight faced by victims of state-sponsored terrorism and human rights violations. These landmark judgments not only serve justice for individual survivors but also represent a powerful message against the culture of impunity that protects those who commit such atrocities.
As the world continues to grapple with humanitarian issues arising from conflicts, the legal efforts to hold regimes accountable for their actions become increasingly important. The cases of Sam Goodwin, Kevin Dawes, and Dr. Majd Kamalmaz are just a few instances where the justice system is being utilized to combat egregious human rights violations.
