Syrian Prison Warden Faces U.S. Charges for Lying on Citizenship Application

The U.S. has filed criminal charges against Samir Ousman Alsheikh, former head of Syria's Adra prison, accusing him of lying on his U.S. citizenship application. Alsheikh, who oversaw severe abuse at the prison, was arrested after buying a one-way ticket to Beirut. He faces charges of naturalization fraud.

The United States has filed criminal charges against Samir Ousman Alsheikh, the former head of Syria's notorious Adra prison. According to U.S. prosecutors, Alsheikh is accused of lying about his past to secure American citizenship.

Alsheikh, age 72, was in charge of severe physical abuse at the prison from 2005 to 2010. The indictment, unsealed in Los Angeles federal court, alleges Alsheikh was a close associate of a brother of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and oversaw brutal treatments, including hangings and beatings, during his tenure. He had been living in South Carolina and was arrested last month after buying a one-way ticket to Beirut.

A federal judge has ordered Alsheikh's detention, while court records indicate he has not yet entered a plea. Prosecutors claim Alsheikh concealed his role at the prison and his ties to the Ba’ath Party when applying for U.S. residency and citizenship. He faces charges of naturalization fraud and making false statements.