Los Angeles, California – A former Syrian government official has been officially charged with torture in the United States, as confirmed by authorities on Thursday. Samir Ousman Alsheikh, who held a position overseeing the Damascus Central Prison from 2005 to 2008, faces multiple counts of torture and conspiracy to commit torture following an indictment by a federal grand jury. The allegations against Alsheikh have been described as “chilling” by US authorities, who have been actively pursuing the case since his arrest earlier this year at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where he was apprehended on two immigration fraud charges.
According to the US Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Alsheikh failed to disclose his role at the prison and denied any involvement in the persecution of individuals in both his US visa and citizenship applications. It is alleged that Alsheikh personally inflicted severe physical and psychological suffering on political and other prisoners under the regime of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Reports indicate that detainees were subjected to brutal treatments while in his custody, including being suspended from the ceiling and subjected to devices causing excruciating pain, often resulting in severe injuries.
Special Agent in Charge of the HSI Los Angeles Field office, Eddy Wang, emphasized the gravity of the accusations, stating, “Almost 20 years ago, the defendant was accused of torturing prisoners in Syria and, today, we are one step closer to holding him accountable for those heinous crimes.” If found guilty, Alsheikh could face up to 20 years in prison for each torture charge, as well as significant penalties for immigration fraud.
Alsheikh, who vehemently denies the accusations, relocated to the United States in 2020 and had been residing in Lexington, South Carolina. These charges come in the wake of rebel forces liberating thousands of prisoners across Syria following the downfall of the Assad regime, shedding light on the widespread abuse and violations of human rights that took place in Syrian prisons under the former government. It has been reported that nearly 60,000 people were tortured and killed in facilities run by the Assad regime, prompting international condemnation and calls for accountability.
In response to these revelations, Syrian rebel forces have announced plans to shut down the notorious prisons and pursue those responsible for the atrocities committed against detainees. The case against Alsheikh represents a significant step towards achieving justice for the victims of torture and abuse in Syria, drawing attention to the urgent need for accountability and reform in addressing human rights violations worldwide.