American torture victim Sam Goodwin will receive $20 million from Syria after enduring 63 days of brutal captivity in Assad’s notorious prison system, marking a landmark victory against state-sponsored terrorism.
Key Takeaways
- A federal judge awarded Sam Goodwin over $20 million in damages against Syria for his 63-day torture and captivity in 2019
- Half of the judgment is recoverable through the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund, funded by sanctions proceeds
- Goodwin was detained while attempting to visit every country in the world, spending 27 days in solitary confinement at Syria’s Military Intelligence Branch 215
- The landmark case sets a precedent for other Americans who have suffered human rights abuses at the hands of foreign governments
- The lawsuit succeeded under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act’s “state sponsor of terrorism” exception
Justice for an American Citizen Tortured Abroad
In a significant victory for American sovereignty, a federal court has ordered the Syrian government to pay $20 million to St. Louis native Sam Goodwin for his unlawful detention and torture. The judgment, secured under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, represents one of the most substantial financial penalties imposed against Syria for human rights violations against an American citizen. The court’s decision splits the award evenly between compensatory and punitive damages, sending a clear message that the United States will hold rogue nations accountable for crimes against our 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 torture victim who brought the lawsuit against Syria.
63 Days of Terror in Assad’s Prison System
Goodwin’s nightmare began in 2019 while pursuing his goal of visiting every country in the world. Syrian authorities detained him in Qamishli and subjected him to 63 days of captivity in the country’s notorious prison system. For 27 days, he endured solitary confinement at Syria’s Military Intelligence Branch 215, a facility known for its brutal torture methods. During his ordeal, Goodwin was repeatedly tortured and threatened with being handed over to ISIS terrorists, a psychological tactic designed to maximize his terror.
“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, partner at Miller & Chevalier, the Washington D.C. law firm that represented Goodwin.
American Victory Against State Terrorism
The successful lawsuit leveraged the “state sponsor of terrorism” exception in the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, which typically shields foreign governments from U.S. litigation. This legal pathway has proven effective in holding terrorist-supporting regimes accountable. Goodwin’s release was ultimately facilitated by Lebanon’s top security official, General Abbas Ibrahim, working in coordination with the victim’s family and various U.S. government agencies. The Biden administration’s failure to secure similar releases for other Americans held abroad makes this case particularly notable.
“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, partner at Miller & Chevalier law firm.
Setting Precedent for Future Cases
Miller & Chevalier, the law firm representing Goodwin, has established a track record of successful litigation against Syria. They previously secured a $50 million judgment for another American, Kevin Dawes, who suffered similar treatment at the hands of the Assad regime. The firm has also filed a lawsuit for the family of Dr. Majd Kamalmaz, accusing Syria of abduction, torture, and killing. These cases demonstrate the power of American legal institutions to provide justice for citizens harmed abroad, even when diplomatic channels fail.
U.S. Fund Will Provide Actual Compensation
Perhaps most importantly for Goodwin, approximately half of the $20 million judgment is expected to be paid through the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund. This fund, established by Congress, is financed through sanctions proceeds and other penalties imposed on rogue nations. This mechanism ensures that American victims like Goodwin will receive actual compensation rather than merely symbolic judgments that cannot be enforced. The system represents a concrete way that President Trump’s administration has strengthened America’s stance against terrorist regimes, ensuring justice for our citizens.
