A St. Louis man tortured by the Syrian regime has been awarded $20 million in a landmark federal court judgment, sending a powerful message to state sponsors of terrorism who harm American citizens.
Key Takeaways
- American citizen Sam Goodwin was awarded over $20 million against Syria for his unlawful detention and torture during 63 days of captivity in 2019
- The judgment includes $10 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act’s terrorism exception
- Goodwin was held in solitary confinement for 27 days and tortured in Syria’s notorious Military Intelligence Branch 215 prison
- Half of the judgment can be paid through the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund, funded by sanctions proceeds
- The case represents a significant victory in holding rogue nations accountable for human rights abuses against American citizens
American Citizen Wins Massive Judgment Against Syria
In a decisive blow against state-sponsored terrorism, a federal judge has awarded Sam Goodwin, a U.S. citizen from St. Louis, over $20 million in damages against the Syrian Arab Republic for his illegal detention and torture in 2019. The landmark ruling, secured by Goodwin’s D.C.-based legal team, successfully invoked the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act’s “state sponsor of terrorism” exception, which allows American citizens to sue countries designated as sponsors of terrorism. The judgment includes approximately $10 million in compensatory damages and an additional $10 million in punitive damages, sending a clear message about American resolve to protect its citizens.
“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, the American who survived Syrian captivity and torture.
63 Days of Torture in Syrian Captivity
Goodwin’s harrowing ordeal began during his ambitious quest to visit every country in the world. In 2019, he was unlawfully detained in Qamishli, Syria, and subsequently subjected to inhumane treatment throughout his 63-day captivity. Court documents reveal that Goodwin endured 27 days in solitary confinement at Syria’s Military Intelligence Branch 215, a facility notorious for its brutal torture practices. During his imprisonment, Goodwin was repeatedly tortured and even threatened with being handed over to ISIS, experiences that left lasting physical and psychological trauma.
“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 at Miller & Chevalier representing Goodwin.
Collecting on the Judgment
While securing judgments against foreign governments is challenging, Goodwin’s case includes a viable path to collect at least half of the awarded damages. The U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund, established by Congress and financed through sanctions proceeds and other penalties against rogue nations, can provide partial payment. Goodwin’s legal team at Miller & Chevalier has previously secured similar victories, including a $50 million verdict for another American, Kevin Dawes, who was also detained and tortured by the Syrian regime. These cases establish a pattern of accountability against the Assad government.
“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 representing Goodwin.
A Broader Campaign for Justice
Goodwin’s eventual release was facilitated through a complex diplomatic effort involving General Abbas Ibrahim, Lebanon’s top security official, working alongside Goodwin’s family and various U.S. agencies. The successful legal action is part of a growing trend of American citizens seeking justice against state sponsors of terrorism. The same law firm has filed a lawsuit for the family of Dr. Majd Kamalmaz, accusing Syria of his abduction, torture, and killing. These cases collectively represent a robust legal strategy to hold accountable those regimes that target American citizens with impunity.
The verdict stands as a powerful reminder that the United States will pursue justice for its citizens no matter how long it takes or how difficult the process. For Goodwin and other survivors of state-sponsored terrorism, these judgments provide not only financial compensation but also validation of their suffering and a measure of closure after enduring unimaginable horrors at the hands of hostile foreign regimes.
