American Psychotherapist’s Family Files Lawsuit Against Syrian Government for Abduction and Murder
The family of Majd Kamalmaz, an American psychotherapist who was detained at a government checkpoint in Damascus, Syria, in 2017, has filed a civil lawsuit against the Syrian government. The lawsuit accuses Syrian officials of abducting, torturing, and killing Kamalmaz. Filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., on behalf of Kamalmaz’s four children, his widow, and sister, the lawsuit alleges that Syrian officials deliberately killed the humanitarian and attempted to cover up his death.
According to Maryam Kamalmaz, U.S. officials presented the family with classified information in May, stating that they believe Kamalmaz died in Syria’s notorious prison system. The lawsuit, filed under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act’s “state sponsor of terrorism” exception, seeks compensatory damages for wrongful death, assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and false imprisonment. The plaintiffs are also seeking punitive damages, totaling at least $70 million.
Kirby Behre, lead counsel on behalf of the Kamalmaz family, stated that the lawsuit aims to bring international attention to Syria’s crimes against thousands of victims and calls on the U.S. government to initiate criminal charges against Syria. Kamalmaz, who was visiting an elderly family member at the time of his detainment, had intended to establish a clinic in Syria to aid victims impacted by the civil war.
The civil lawsuit alleges that Kamalmaz was unlawfully detained, falsely imprisoned, and subjected to inhuman and unlawful treatment in notorious Syrian prisons, including the Mezzeh Military Airport known for its “torture and murder of perceived enemies of the Syrian regime.” The lawsuit further claims that Syrian officials purposefully killed Kamalmaz and attempted to cover up his death, with the intention of intimidating and terrorizing the civilian population of Syria, their loved ones, and the international community.
The U.S. government has a fund set up for victims of state-sponsored terrorism, which could provide compensation for the Kamalmaz family if the court rules in their favor. The United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund can pay out claims, with a cap of $20 million per person or $20 million to $35 million per family. The family may receive a certain percentage of the awarded damages over several years, depending on the amount of money in the fund.
