A federal U.S. judge has ruled in favor of Sam Goodwin, a St. Louis native, awarding him $20.2 million in damages for his torture and detention by the Syrian regime in 2019. The ruling, under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, is a landmark verdict against the Syrian Arab Republic, with a portion of the compensation coming from U.S. sanctions proceeds. Goodwin, who was held in a notorious Syrian prison for 63 days, described his ordeal as one of severe torture and interrogation by the Assad regime, which his lawyers claim led to his eventual release through diplomatic efforts. The case highlights the ongoing pursuit of justice for victims of state-sponsored terrorism and underscores the international community’s stance against human rights violations.
Sam Goodwin, a St. Louis native, was held for 63 days in Syria’s notorious prison system, where he endured severe torture and interrogation by the Assad regime. His release was secured through a combination of diplomatic efforts and the intervention of U.S. officials. The case has drawn significant attention from both the media and the international community, highlighting the serious nature of human rights violations committed by the Syrian regime. The ruling marks the first time the U.S. has successfully secured a judgment against the Syrian Arab Republic under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, setting a precedent for future cases. The compensation awarded to Goodwin includes both compensatory and punitive damages, with a portion of the funds coming from the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund, which is financed by sanctions proceeds and other penalties. This case is part of a broader effort to hold individuals and governments accountable for their actions and to ensure that human rights abuses are not tolerated. The ruling is expected to have a significant impact on the international community, as it sends a clear message that such crimes will not be overlooked. The case also underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing human rights violations and the need for continued vigilance in the face of such atrocities. The ruling is a significant step forward in the pursuit of justice for victims of state-sponsored terrorism and serves as a warning to those who might consider such actions in the future.