A former Syrian government official has been charged with torture by a federal grand jury, following the return of a superseding indictment. The charges against Samir Ousman Alsheikh include three counts of torture and one count of conspiracy to commit torture, adding to previous charges of visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud from an initial indictment in August.
Alsheikh, 72, from Lexington, South Carolina, served as the head of Damascus Central Prison, also known as Adra Prison, between 2005 and 2008. Court documents allege that during his tenure, he ordered and sometimes participated in severe physical and mental abuse of political prisoners.
The indictment details specific allegations where Alsheikh directed prisoners to the "Punishment Wing" at Adra Prison. Here, inmates were reportedly beaten while suspended from ceilings or subjected to a device called the "Flying Carpet," which inflicted intense pain and could cause spinal injuries.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada commented on the case: “The allegations in this superseding indictment of grave human rights abuses are chilling. Our country will not be a safe harbor for those accused of committing atrocities abroad.”
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri highlighted that Alsheikh is accused of torturing dissidents to suppress opposition against then-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime. She added that he allegedly concealed these crimes when applying for U.S. residency: “The victims of such violent treatment continue to suffer long after the physical acts of torture have ceased."
Alsheikh held various roles within Syria's police and state security systems and was associated with the ruling Ba’ath Party. In 2011, he was appointed governor of Deir Ez-Zour province by President Assad. The indictment claims Alsheikh immigrated to the United States in 2020 and sought citizenship in 2023.
Eddy Wang, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Field Office stated: “Almost 20 years ago, the defendant was accused of torturing prisoners in Syria... The United States will never be a safe haven for those who commit human rights abuses abroad.”
FBI Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough remarked on their commitment: “The FBI is committed to working with our partners across the globe to uncover the truth.”
An indictment serves as an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
If convicted, Alsheikh faces up to 20 years imprisonment for each torture-related charge and up to 10 years for each immigration fraud charge.
The investigation is led by HSI and FBI with support from international authorities including Swedish Police Authority and Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua O. Mausner along with Justice Department Trial Attorneys Patrick Jasperse and Alexandra Skinnion are handling prosecution efforts.
Public information about human rights violators can be reported via FBI or HSI tip lines or online forms.