Consider This from NPR How A Pact Made In Prison May Have Saved An American's Life
Dec 14, 2021
Kevin Dawes shares his harrowing experience of being imprisoned in Syria for three and a half years. He recounts the brutal conditions and the crucial pact he made with a fellow prisoner that aided in their survival. The heartbreaking story of Dr. Abbas Khan, a fellow captive who tragically died just before release, highlights the fragility of hope in such dire circumstances. Dawes also discusses his quest for justice against the Syrian government and the legal battles faced by Khan's family, shedding light on the fight for accountability in the region.
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Kevin Dawes's Imprisonment
- Kevin Dawes, an American, traveled to Libya and Syria hoping to become a war journalist.
- He was arrested in Syria and jailed for three and a half years, enduring torture.
Pact in Prison
- Dawes describes his capture and torture in a Syrian prison, witnessing horrific treatment of others, including children.
- He made a pact with a fellow prisoner, Dr. Abbas Khan, to inform each other's families if one was released.
Release and Lawsuit
- Khan's mother alerted the US Embassy about Dawes, leading to improved treatment for him but worsened treatment for Khan, who was later killed.
- Dawes was released in 2016 and filed a lawsuit against the Syrian government.