Press Release: SJAC provides crucial evidence in support of U.S. case against former Syrian government official
Washington, DC:
July 17, 2024
The U.S. Department of Justice has arrested a former Syrian Government Official, Brigadier-General Samir Ousman al-Sheikh, in Los Angeles, California on suspicion of visa and naturalization fraud for falsely stating that he was not involved in extrajudicial killings, political killings or other acts of violence, particularly as the Prison Director of Adra prison in Damascus from 2005-2008.
“The arrest was based in part on materials and testimony provided by the Syria Justice and Accountability Center (SJAC),” said SJAC in a statement today.
The complaint is based upon an investigation conducted by U.S. authorities in which five former detainees of Adra prison were questioned. It alleges that al-Sheikh persecuted political dissidents and was involved in the execution of prisoners at the prison from 2005-2008. Visa and naturalization fraud is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, but the final sentence would depend on many factors including the seriousness of the human rights abuses, criminal history and whether multiple counts are found to be distinct crimes. Additional charges might be added as this investigation continues.
SJAC’s team hopes that the trial will bring some redress and closure to the victims of these crimes.
For more information and media requests in English, please contact:
Michael Ader
Communications Coordinator
Cell: +1-801-970-3065
For inquiries in Arabic and English, please contact:
Mohammad Al-Abdallah
Executive Director
Cell Phone: +1-202-704-3215