US Indicts Ex-Syrian Prison Chief for Torture and War Crimes

A former Syrian prison head, Samir Ousman Alsheikh, has been charged in the US with torture and conspiracy to commit torture for his actions at Damascus Central Prison from 2005 to 2008. Arrested earlier this year for immigration fraud, Alsheikh allegedly inflicted severe pain on prisoners under Bashar al-Assad's regime. If convicted, he faces significant prison time. Alsheikh denies the charges, calling them politically motivated. This case highlights ongoing efforts to hold former Syrian officials accountable for human rights abuses.