Syrian-American man sues Assad regime in US court over alleged torture

Syrian-American Obada Mzaik has filed a civil lawsuit against the government of Syria for allegedly detaining and torturing more than a decade ago after he took part in protests against the regime of President Bashar Al Assad.

The suit was filed on Wednesday in Washington by Centre for Justice and Accountability, a non-profit based in the US, and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, a London law firm.

“I am filing this lawsuit in the name of all the many Syrians who were tortured in detention centres but who don’t have the opportunity to obtain justice,” Mr Mzaik, who was born and raised in Ohio, said in a press release.

Mr Mzaik was a 22-year-old student in 2012, when he was detained and tortured at the Air Force Intelligence Branch at the Mezzeh Military Airport in Damascus, according to a press release.

He claims that, while being held for three weeks, he was beaten, threatened with electrocution and forced to watch relatives being tortured.

The lawsuit was filed under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, a federal law that permits US citizens to sue foreign governments for crimes including torture.

Rights groups say that more than 130,000 Syrians are still detained or have been forcibly disappeared by the regime for taking part in protests during the Arab uprisings that erupted across the Middle East starting in 2011.

Survivors and families have formed the international campaign Free Syria’s Disappeared, calling for the release of the detainees and for the survivors to pursue justice in courts.

“We support the filing of the US suit, which will help to document the impact of detention, not just on the detainees themselves but also on their family members and loved ones, many of whom continue to suffer to this day from the state’s brutal policy,” Yasmen Almashan, a spokeswoman for the coalition, said in a statement.

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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152