California court sentences Syrian general to 60 years for torturing inmates

Samir Ousman Alsheikh, a 74-year-old former Syrian brigadier general, was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on Thursday. Alsheikh, who oversaw Adra Prison near Damascus from 2005 to 2008 under former Syrian President Bashar Assad, was convicted in March of torture, conspiracy to commit torture, and attempted naturalization fraud. Prosecutors stated he "inflicted and ordered subordinates to inflict severe physical and mental pain and suffering on prisoners," including suspending them by their wrists and using "Flying Carpet" torture tables. He also lied on his visa application in 2018 and to immigration officials to obtain a green card and attempt naturalization. Heith Janke, assistant director of the FBI Criminal Division, affirmed that the FBI will ensure those who engage in torture and come to the U.S. "face the consequences for their illegal disregard for human rights."