The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs sent a letter yesterday to the Kamalmaz family, extending their deepest condolences following the tragic news of Majd Kamalmaz’s death at the hands of the Assad regime. Kamalmaz was an American psychotherapist best known for his treatment on PTSD and trauma around the world. In 2017 he visited Syria to treat patients there and was immediately captured by the Assad Regime.
The letter, signed by multiple prominent members of Congress, underscores the collective grief and determination to honor Majd’s legacy and ensure justice for all Americans wrongfully detained abroad.
The Committee on Foreign Affairs praised the Kamalmaz family’s tireless advocacy, particularly their powerful and moving testimony during a House Foreign Affairs Committee roundtable earlier this year. The letter reassures the family that their efforts have not been in vain, emphasizing the committee’s commitment that “The Assad Regime answers for its barbaric actions”.
The letter serves as a stark reminder of the need for swift and decisive action to protect American citizens taken hostage or unjustly detained abroad. Estimates put the current number of U.S. citizens unjustly held abroad between 40-60, according to NPR.
Congressman Wilson, a signatory of this letter, spoke at the Capitol steps during an event for Majd last week. It was then that he said “While I appreciate the administration has now has finally recognized this great American and his untimely death, there must be a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice.” Wilson and other members of Congress have expressed support of criminal charges.
Former Ambassador for the US on war crimes, Stephen Rapp said in an interview with Global Justice, “It’s important that the United States’ Justice Department proceed in this case, full bore.” He went on to say “The best thing, of course, is to have an indictment.” A criminal investigation can only be opened by the U.S. government, something the Biden Administration has yet to speak on.
The letter is signed by key members of Congress, reflecting bipartisan support for the Kamalmaz family and the broader mission of justice for Americans detained overseas. Signatories include:
Congressman McCaul (R-TX 10th District), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee
Congressman Meeks (D-NY 5th District), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee
Congressman Mast (R-FL 21st District), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight & Accountability
Congressman Crow (D-CO 6th District), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight & Accountability
Congressman Wilson (R-SC 2nd District), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia
Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA 48th District)
Congressman Hill (R-AR 2nd District)
Congresswoman Stevens (D-MI 11th District)
Congressman Green, (D-TX 9th District)
This letter is another example of Congress’ support to codify anti-normalization of the Assad Regime into law. Earlier this year, the House passed the Anti-Normalization Act, a bill that, if approved by the Senate and signed into law, would prohibit any U.S. government official or representative from engaging in normalization with the Assad regime. Representative Joe Wilson emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, “It’s critical that the Senate pass the Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act to hold the regime accountable for what they did to Majd.”
