By Carolyn Abdenour
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

DAMASCUS, Syria – On Friday, 20 January, the United States’ (“US”) State Department confirmed suspicions that Syrian officials arrested Abdelkader Chaar, a 22 year old U.S. citizen, from his home in Aleppo on 8 January.  Sam Chaar, Abdelkader’s uncle, stated Syrian officials have not disclosed why they arrested Chaar or identified the charges against his nephew.

Born in Syracuse, New York in 1989, the Chaar family moved to Aleppo, Syria when he was six years old.  Chaar currently attends medical school at Aleppo University.Chaar’s father has contacted the US Embassy in Damascus and New York Senator Charles Schumer.

The State Department has received notification of Mr. Chaar’s arrest.  Victoria Nuland, spokesperson for the US State Department, said “We’ve been in contact with Syrian authorities and have requested confirmation of the arrest and requested consular access.”  Since the Chaar family did not sign a US Privacy Act waiver, Ms. Nuland did not provide more details about Chaar’s status.

Senator Schumer’s spokesperson Matt House added, “We have had multiple contacts with the State Department and are doing everything we can to find out the details of Mr. Chaar’s situation…We will continue to work with American and Syrian officials to assist in any way we can.”Syrian officials confirmed Chaar’s arrest in conjunction with Friday’s protests demanding the release of political detainees.  Opposition activist group Local Coordination Committees of Syria reported at least ten people died during Friday’s protests.

Furthermore, the Arab League has uged President Bashar al-Assad to free political detainees, remove tanks and weapons from cities, cease violence against citizens, and permit outsiders and international journalists to move freely throughout the country.

Syrians have held anti-government protests throughout the country since mid-March.  The United Nation (“UN”) stated over 5,000 people have died during the ten months of protests, but opposition groups in Syria estimate the clashes have led to over 6,000 deaths.

The United States has warned Americans to avoid travel in Syria and encouraged those traveling in the country to leave immediately before transport options evaporate.

Sam Chaar said his nephew plans to practice medicine in the US after he completes a six week rotation at the Cleveland Clinic that begins on February 11.

For further information, please see:
CNN – Official: American Arrested in Syria – 20 Jan 2012

Focus News – AFP: US Probes Reports Of US Citizen Arrested in Syria – 20 Jan 2012

The Post Standard – Liverpool Family Seeks Help For Nephew Reportedly Seized in Syria – 20 Jan 2012

YNN – Syracuse Native Detained In Syria? – 20 Jan 2012