WASHINGTON, July 22,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Miller &
Chevalier and the Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF) announce today
the filing of a civil lawsuit on behalf of the family of Majd
Kamalmaz in the U.S. District Court in Washington, DC. The lawsuit seeks at least
$70 million in punitive and
compensatory damages from the Assad regime for the
alleged unlawful detention, torture, and killing
of Majd Kamalmaz.
Majd Kamalmaz was an American psychotherapist and humanitarian
worker who dedicated his life to helping those in need, from
survivors of Hurricane Katrina to victims of the Tsunami in
Indonesia and the Bosnian
genocide. At the time of his abduction, Majd was treating refugees
from war-torn Syria. Tragically,
he was stopped at an Assad regime checkpoint in Damascus. Despite tireless efforts by his
family, SETF, and others, Majd remained unjustly detained and
endured unimaginable suffering until the family received official
confirmation in May 2024 from the
U.S. government of his death.
"Today, on behalf of the Kamalmaz family, we have taken just
the first step towards holding the Syrian regime accountable for
its crimes against Majd Kamalmaz which culminated in his
alleged murder. The family filed this suit to bring
international attention to Syria's
crimes against thousands of victims, and is counting on
the U.S. government to initiate criminal charges against
Syria," said Kirby Behre, Member at Miller & Chevalier
and lead counsel on behalf of the Kamalmaz family.
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 also
seek punitive damages, bringing the total claim to at least
$70 million.
Maryam Kamalmaz, the daughter of Majd Kamalmaz and SETF team
member, stated: "I know that if my father was with me right now,
he would not rest until all men, women, and children are released
from the Assad regime's concentration camps. In his honor, we plan
to hold the regime fully accountable for its crimes against
Americans and Syrians alike, and we call on the U.S. Senate to
urgently pass the Assad Anti-Normalization Act for the sake of
Americans still held by this criminal regime."
This development represents a significant step towards justice
for the Kamalmaz family, and reinforces Miller & Chevalier and
SETF's unwavering commitment to bringing the Assad regime to
account for its ongoing human rights abuses.
About Miller & Chevalier
Founded in 1920, Miller & Chevalier is a Washington, DC law firm with a global
perspective and leading practices in Litigation, White Collar
Defense and Investigations, International Law, and Business &
Human Rights. Miller & Chevalier's litigation team is at the
forefront of holding terrorist nations such as Iran and Syria accountable for their atrocities against
U.S. citizens. The firm represents victims of torture by state
sponsors of terrorism and files suit in U.S. federal court to hold
such countries accountable for their crimes. For more information
on the firm, visit www.millerchevalier.com.
About the Syrian Emergency Task Force
The Syrian Emergency Task Force is a Syrian-American 501(c)(3)
headquartered in Washington, DC. SETF works tirelessly to bring an
end to the killing in Syria through humanitarian initiatives,
advocacy, and the pursuit of justice and accountability for war
crimes. Today, SETF stands as the most notable American
organization working on Syria, as evidenced by the impact it has
made both on the ground in Syria and the U.S. SETF serves as a
resource for education by bringing the voices of the Syrian people
to the international stage. From testimonies at the UN Security
Council to local grassroots community fundraisers, the team brings
together like-minded people who are determined to fight for a safe
and free Syria away from the vicious dictatorship.
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