Landmark Ruling: Family of American Hostage Achieves Justice Against Iran for Torture in Lebanon

In a significant development after nearly four years of legal struggle, a U.S. court has ruled in favor of the family of a Lebanese American hostage. The ruling holds the Islamic Republic of Iran, through its proxy Hezbollah, accountable for the kidnapping and torture of their father, Amer Fakhoury.

On May 1, a U.S. District Court issued its decision that determined Iran’s responsibility for Fakhoury’s imprisonment. His daughters, Guila and Zoya Fakhoury, expressed their relief and joy at the verdict, noting its historic significance. Guila highlighted the ruling as a groundbreaking moment, stating, “This is the first lawsuit to prove Iran’s influence over Lebanon. We were very happy about the judgment.”

Amer Fakhoury was arrested shortly after arriving in Lebanon with his family in September 2019. Following his arrest, a Hezbollah-linked newspaper characterized him as a notorious figure, alleging that he was the “butcher” of Khiam, a detention center notorious for severe human rights violations.

Fakhoury spent several months in a military prison, released only in December 2019 after the Lebanese Supreme Court dismissed the charges against him in March 2020. By the time he returned to the United States, he had lost a significant amount of weight and was battling serious health issues, including late-stage lymphoma and rib fractures. Tragically, he passed away in September 2020 at the age of 57.

Legal Battle and the Path to Justice

The struggle to prove Fakhoury’s suffering and torture was daunting for his family. Guila explained that the State Department’s classification of her father as a hostage served an essential role in substantiating the nature of his captivity. However, providing evidence to show that Iran orchestrated his imprisonment proved to be a more formidable challenge.

Despite doubts from some quarters, Zoya remained steadfast in her belief, stating, “Iran’s influence in Lebanon in recent years further proves our point.” The family’s task was complicated further by Iran’s absence from the legal proceedings. As a result, they had to furnish evidence demonstrating Hezbollah’s grip on various governmental bodies in Lebanon, including military institutions and intelligence services.

The family faced continual adversity, even after the Lebanese judicial system cleared Fakhoury of multiple allegations of being a killer, a terrorist, and an Israeli agent. According to Guila, Lebanese officials informed Fakhoury that they had to keep him imprisoned due to Hezbollah’s demands.

Threats and Interference

The Fakhoury family encountered numerous threats and challenges leading up to their legal case, which they filed in May 2021. Zoya recounted that Hezbollah officials in Lebanon had been issuing threats against the family since Fakhoury’s death. Additionally, Guila mentioned that officials from Lebanon’s General Directorate of General Security attempted to intervene in the lawsuit by requesting the removal of their names from court documents. The judge ultimately denied their request.

Long periods of inaction from the court compounded the stress for the family as they awaited a resolution. Zoya recalled the fear and uncertainty they faced during those years, stating, “The last four years, we were fearful. We were worried maybe nothing’s going to come out of this.”

A Mixed Verdict on Justice

While the family welcomed the judgment, Guila voiced concerns about the fairness of the settlement. She expressed that the compensation awarded under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act did not adequately reflect the extensive pain and suffering they endured.

Despite these feelings, the ruling marks a crucial step forward for other victims seeking justice. The family believes this case could pave the way for similar claims. Guila expressed optimism, stating, “We’re hoping, with this administration, to use the judgment that we have and the work that we’ve been doing in the [Amer] Foundation to continue the accountability efforts.”

Zoya emphasized the broader implications, suggesting that many others in Lebanon and American citizens impacted by acts of violence at the hands of the Lebanese government and Hezbollah could find hope through this case in their pursuit of justice.

Looking Forward: The Fight Continues

As the Fakhoury family reflects on their victory, they are gearing up for the next chapter of their advocacy. They plan to urge the State Department to impose sanctions on Lebanese officials complicit in actions against their father. They characterize these officials as traitors who have aligned themselves with Hezbollah and Iran.

This determination demonstrates the family’s resilience and commitment to ensuring accountability. As they continue their fight, they hope to inspire others facing similar circumstances to seek justice and hold their oppressors accountable.

The Fakhoury case is not just a story of personal suffering and loss but also a landmark moment in the ongoing struggle against impunity in Lebanon. Through their perseverance, the family stands as a beacon of hope for victims and their advocates around the world.