Australia Charges IS-Linked Women on Return from Syria

Four Australian women with links to Islamic State fighters returned home from Syria on May 7, 2024, along with their nine children. The group arrived after years of detention in Syrian camps following the collapse of ISIS's caliphate. Authorities had indicated that some would likely face arrest and charges upon arrival.

The returnees were part of a larger group held at al-Roj detention camp since 2019, according to BBC News. Australian Federal Police have been investigating Australians who traveled to the Islamic State's caliphate since 2015 for potential terrorism offenses and crimes against humanity such as slave trading.

According to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, all returnees hold Australian passports except one woman who was prevented from returning due to national security concerns. 'These are people who have made the horrific choice to join a dangerous terrorist organisation and to place their children in an unspeakable situation,' said Burke.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that some individuals would be arrested and charged, while others may face continued investigations upon arrival. The group's return has sparked discussions about support for the returning children, with Mat Tinkler of Save the Children Australia advocating for their recovery and well-being.

The government has made it clear that it is not assisting these returnees. 'The government is not assisting and will not assist these individuals. They made an appalling, disgraceful decision,' said Burke.

According to The Guardian, authorities in two Australian states are preparing to resettle the group. All returnees except one mother and child will be settled in Melbourne.

Janai Safar, 32, was among the four women who returned to Australia. She was charged with entering or remaining in declared areas and being a member of a terrorist organisation. Each offence carries a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment. Safar is due to face Downing Centre Local Court on Friday, where she is expected to apply for bail. Her son is currently staying with family members.

Safar's bail application states that her son is her highest priority and that she had returned to Australia to ensure he receives an education and integrates into society. It also mentions extensive kidney problems, PTSD, and lack of proper healthcare services while in the camps. Safar was a nursing student in Sydney when she left the country in 2015.

Grandmother Kawsar Abbas, 54, along with her daughters Zahra Ahmad, 33 and Zeinab Ahmed, 31, and eight children arrived in Melbourne on Thursday night. Abbas and Zeinab were arrested by AFP officers and charged on Friday morning with crimes against humanity including slavery charges.

According to The Guardian, Kawsar Ahmad faces four charges of crimes against humanity for allegedly keeping a female slave in her home, while Zeinab Ahmad faces two similar charges. The AFP alleges that Kawsar Ahmad travelled to Syria in 2014 with her husband and children, and was complicit in the purchase of a female slave for US$10,000. For Zeinab Ahmad, police allege she also travelled to Syria in 2014 with her family and knowingly kept a female slave in the home. These charges carry a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

The AFP said investigations into the group are ongoing. 'This remains an active investigation into very serious allegations,' Commissioner Stephen Nutt told reporters in Canberra on Thursday night.