A former Syrian military official, Samir Ousman al-Sheikh, who oversaw the notorious Adra Prison from 2005 to 2008 under Bashar al-Assad's regime, has been charged with multiple counts of torture and conspiracy to commit torture. The charges come after his arrest in July on visa fraud charges.
Al-Sheikh, 72, was detained at Los Angeles International Airport for immigration fraud, as he allegedly failed to disclose his involvement in human rights abuses in Syria on his US visa and citizenship applications. He had purchased a one-way ticket to Beirut, Lebanon, before his arrest.
During his tenure at Adra Prison, al-Sheikh reportedly ordered and participated in severe physical and mental abuse of prisoners. Federal officials stated that he directed subordinates to inflict torture, including beatings and the use of devices that caused bodily harm, such as fractured spines.
The indictment against al-Sheikh is seen as a significant step towards justice by human rights advocates, emphasizing that the US will not tolerate war criminals seeking refuge in the country without being held accountable for their actions.
Al-Sheikh's lawyer denied the accusations, calling them politically motivated and questioning the jurisdiction of the US Justice Department in prosecuting crimes committed in a foreign country against non-American citizens.
US authorities have also accused two Syrian officials of running a torture center in Damascus, with victims including Syrians, Americans, and dual citizens. Arrest warrants have been issued for these officials who remain at large.
In a separate case, a French court sentenced three high-ranking Syrian officials in absentia for complicity in war crimes, marking a significant legal action against Assad's regime in Europe.
If convicted, al-Sheikh could face up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit torture and each torture charge, as well as 10 years for each immigration fraud charge.
