Four Australian women linked to Islamic State fighters returned home from Syria along with their nine children. The group arrived after years of detention in a Syrian camp following the collapse of ISIS's caliphate. Authorities expect some will be arrested and charged upon arrival.
Key Takeaways
Four Australian women linked to Islamic State fighters returned home from Syria along with their nine children. Authorities expect some of these individuals will be arrested and charged upon arrival.
- Four Australian women and nine children have returned to Australia after being detained in a Syrian camp for several years
- The returnees were part of a larger group held at al-Roj detention camp since the fall of ISIS's caliphate
- Authorities expect some will be arrested and charged with terrorism-related offenses upon arrival
- Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed all returnees hold Australian passports, except one woman who was prevented from returning due to national security concerns
The returnees were part of a larger group held at al-Roj detention camp since 2019, according to BBC. Australian Federal Police have been investigating Australians who traveled to the Islamic State's caliphate since 2015. Investigations include 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 will 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.
'Some individuals will be arrested and charged. Some will face continued investigations when they arrive in Australia,' said Krissy Barrett.
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.
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