Torture

U.S. Jury Orders Virginia Contractor to Pay $42 Million for Role in Abu Ghraib Torture Cases

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — In a landmark decision, a Virginia federal court awarded $42 million to three former detainees of the infamous Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, finding a U.S.-based defense contractor culpable for their inhumane treatment nearly two decades ago. The unanimous verdict by an eight-member jury against Reston, Virginia’s CACI International came after a previous jury was unable to determine the company’s liability earlier this year. The plaintiffs, Suhail Al Shimari, Salah Al-Ejaili, and Asa’ad Al-Zubae, each received $3 million in compensatory damages and an additional $11 million each in punitive damages for the … Read more

NYC Model Sues Ex-Boyfriend, Claiming Captivity and Torture in Disturbing Domestic Dispute

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NEW YORK — A lawsuit filed in New York has surfaced unsettling allegations against Dr. Ammar Mahmoud, a plastic surgeon based in the city, accusing him of severely abusing and controlling his ex-girlfriend, Maya Willow Sias. Sias, who is pursuing both a modeling and singing career, claims the abuse was so severe that she had to flee to Los Angeles to escape the situation. According to legal documents, the ordeal began shortly after Sias moved into Mahmoud’s $1.7 million Fifth Avenue apartment. Sias alleges that Mahmoud physically assaulted her, causing significant injuries including a fractured … Read more

International Legal Team Urgently Appeals to UN on Alleged Torture of Witness in Hong Kong Activist’s Trial

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Hong Kong, China – Jimmy Lai, a detained pro-democracy activist and media entrepreneur, has filed an urgent appeal with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Lai’s international legal team alleges that the Chinese authorities tortured a key prosecution witness, Andy Li, in order to extract incriminating evidence against Lai. Lai is currently standing trial for charges under the National Security Law (NSL), including conspiracy to sedition, collusion with a foreign country, and conspiracy to collude with foreign countries. The trial began on December 18 and … Read more