Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after the family of Majd Kamalmaz confirmed that their loved one was dead at the hands of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime after being held captive in Syria for 7 years.

 

“While after seven years, I feared this possible outcome, it makes it no less heartbreaking. So many Arkansans and Americans hoped the outcome of Majd's captivity at the hands of the Assad regime would be different, and I am devastated to learn that our worst fears are a reality.

 

“For each day since his disappearance, I have backed his family in ensuring that his disappearance remained at the forefront for U.S. government officials and officials alike to keep pressing for answers. As I have said repeatedly, no nation - including the United States - should be normalizing relations with the brutal, murderous Assad regime who continues to terrorize its own citizens and hold American citizens against their will. As I understand, President Biden has yet to reach out to the Kamalmaz family or publicly acknowledge or condemn Majd's death. I urge this administration to call his widow and children, and to hold the Assad regime accountable for its brutal murder of their beloved husband and father.

 

"As Co-Chair of the Hostage Task Force in the House, I remain devoted to fighting for American hostages, wrongful detainees, and their families to bring them home safely and to increase transparency in the process for their families. I am deeply grateful to the Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF) for their relentless dedication and advocacy for Majd's release. Although Majd will never see his loved ones again because of Assad's barbaric regime, his absolute strength will continue to inspire us all and his legacy will live on. My thoughts and prayers remain with the Kamalmaz family and all the other families seeking answers and the safe return of their loved ones.”