Background of the Case

A law firm based in Washington, D.C., has successfully secured a staggering judgment exceeding $20 million against the Syrian Arab Republic on behalf of Sam Goodwin, a St. Louis native. Goodwin’s ordeal began when he was held in Syria’s notorious prison system for 63 days during his personal quest to visit every nation across the globe.

Judge’s Ruling

U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly awarded Goodwin a total of $20,201,620 in compensatory and punitive damages. This significant ruling was made possible through a lawsuit filed under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act’s “state sponsor of terrorism” clause, which allows U.S. citizens to seek damages for acts committed by foreign governments that sponsor terrorism.

Compensation Details

Approximately half of the awarded amount is set to be payable through the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund. This fund is supported by sanctions and other financial penalties. However, Goodwin may receive the compensatory damages over several years, depending on the current balance of the fund.

Legal Perspective

Kirby Behre, the lead counsel representing Goodwin, emphasized the importance of holding nations accountable for violating international human rights standards. “Nations that breach international human rights must face consequences,” Behre stated. “Survivors like Sam ensure such violations by the Assad regime don’t go unnoticed.” He added that while no amount of money could erase Goodwin’s trauma, this judgment serves as a critical step in confronting those responsible for gross injustices.

Goodwin’s Experience in Syria

Goodwin’s journey to Syria began in 2019 when he crossed the border from Iraq, believing that Qamishli was under the control of U.S.-backed Kurdish forces. Unfortunately, his assumptions proved misguided. He was apprehended by military personnel near his hotel while engaged in a FaceTime call with his mother, Ann.

Reflecting on his harrowing experience, Goodwin recounted, “I was taken to a basement known as Syria’s Military Intelligence Branch 215, a location infamous for detaining political prisoners, and I was held in solitary confinement for 27 days.” In an interview with Fox News Digital before the release of his book, “Saving Sam: The True Story of an American’s Disappearance in Syria and His Family’s Extraordinary Fight to Bring Him Home,” he detailed the isolation he endured. “My only interactions were brief morning and evening visits from guards who provided me with bread, potatoes, and water.”

The Nature of Torture and Interrogations

Goodwin’s lawyers disclosed that he endured severe torture while at Branch 215 under the regime of Bashar al-Assad. His harrowing ordeal included lengthy interrogations and threats, culminating in a demand for false confessions regarding espionage. Alarmingly, he was even threatened with being handed over to ISIS if he refused to comply with the demands placed upon him.

Efforts for Release

Goodwin’s eventual release was orchestrated by General Abbas Ibrahim, a former top security official in Lebanon. The connection to Ibrahim was facilitated through a network that included Joseph Abbas, the uncle of Goodwin’s sister’s friend and ex-roommate. Goodwin’s family tirelessly advocated for his release, collaborating with various agencies including the FBI, CIA, State Department, and even the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs. Their efforts extended to enlisting the help of Vatican envoys and Middle Eastern experts as well.

Goodwin’s Perspective on Justice

In a powerful statement to Fox News Digital, Goodwin expressed that the judgment represents far more than just a personal victory. “This judgment transcends my experience. It’s a stand for all who have endured human rights abuses globally. I hope it inspires other victims and sends a warning against tolerating such crimes,” he remarked.

The Law Firm’s Broader Impact

Miller & Chevalier, the law firm behind Goodwin’s case, has previously achieved other significant judgments against Syria. Notably, in 2023, they secured nearly $50 million for another American, Kevin Dawes, who had also been illegally detained and tortured in Syria. Furthermore, in July, the firm filed a lawsuit on behalf of Dr. Majd Kamalmaz, a detained psychotherapist and humanitarian reportedly abducted, tortured, and killed in Damascus in 2017, holding the Syrian government responsible.