Arrests
When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. If you experience difficulties with local authorities, keep in mind that American officials are limited by foreign laws, U.S. regulations and geography as to what they can do to assist you. The U.S. Government has no funds for your legal fees or other related expenses. Syria is a signatory to the Vienna Convention on consular access to prisoners; this requires Syrian police authorities promptly to notify the U.S. Embassy of the arrest of an U.S. citizen. However, Syrian authorities rarely, if ever, provide such notification, even when the U.S. citizen specifically requests it. The U.S. Embassy will attempt to visit each American prisoner as soon as notification of an arrest is received. In practice, once word of an arrest reaches the U.S. Embassy, access is not always granted to prisoners who are not dual nationals. Access may be delayed by a few days or weeks while Syrian authorities are investigating the case.
Should you find yourself in a dispute that may lead to police or legal action, consult the consular section at the U.S. Embassy. Although Consular Officers cannot serve as attorneys or give legal advice, they can provide a list of local attorneys and help you find legal representation. However, neither the Department of State, an embassy or consulate can assume any responsibility for the caliber, competence, or professional integrity of these attorneys.
A consular officer will do whatever he/she can to protect your legitimate interests and ensure that you are not discriminated against under local law. A consular officer cannot release prisoners, provide guarantees of their comportment, or provide funds for bail. If you are arrested, immediately ask that a consular officer at the Embassy's Consular Section in Damascus be notified. If you are turned down, keep asking--politely, but persistently. If unsuccessful, try to have someone get in touch with us on your behalf.
Upon learning of your arrest, a U.S. consular officer will visit you, provide a list of local attorneys, inform the Department of State of your arrest and, if requested, contact family or friends in the U.S. or elsewhere. Consuls can help you transfer money, food, and clothing from your family and friends. They will also try to get relief if you are held under inhumane or unhealthful conditions or are treated less equitably than others in the same situation.