The return of three Australian women from Syria has sparked significant legal and political repercussions. Charged with serious offenses related to their alleged ties with the Islamic State group, these women and their associated children face an uncertain future as their cases unfold in the courts.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Three Australian women were denied bail when they appeared in court on Friday, facing charges of slavery and terrorism-related offenses after arriving home from Syria with another 10 individuals, whom police allege have connections to the Islamic State group.
The four women and nine children, who had spent years in Roj camp in the Syrian desert, arrived on two Qatar Airways flights from Doha on Thursday, despite warnings from the Australian government that they would face legal consequences upon their return.
Kawsar Abbas, 53, and her daughter Zeinab Ahmed, 31, were charged in a Melbourne court for allegedly purchasing a female Yazidi slave for $10,000, according to police statements.
Their legal representatives indicated that they will seek bail for both women on Monday. Neither individual spoke during their brief court session, where bail was officially denied.
Abbas, along with her family, traveled to Syria in 2014, during a time when the region was under IS’s control, as alleged by police. They claim that Abbas was involved in purchasing the slave, who lived within their family home.
The mother faces four charges of crimes against humanity under Australian law, while the daughter is charged with two slavery offenses. Each charge has a potential penalty of 25 years in prison.
Both women were captured by Kurdish forces in March 2019 and have been detained along with other relatives at Roj camp since then.
Other Arrests and Charges
The camp in northeastern Syria, near the Iraq border, houses primarily women and children who were displaced from areas previously governed by the Islamic State group. Janai Safar, 32, was arrested at Sydney Airport and charged with being a member of a terrorist organization and with entering a terrorist-controlled region. Each charge carries a possible maximum sentence of 10 years.
A judge denied her bail when she applied on Friday via video link from prison. Her lawyer argued that exceptional circumstances justified her release, noting that both Safar and her 9-year-old son were likely suffering from PTSD and that the boy had no connections in Australia.
Police allege Safar followed her IS-fighter partner to Syria in 2015, where she had a child. The partner reportedly died in 2017. Australia prohibited travel to the former stronghold of Raqqa without a valid reason from 2014 to 2017.
The Australian government has condemned the women for supporting IS militants through their travel to Syria and has declined assistance for their repatriation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed sympathy for the returning children but not for the parents, stating that they should expect no government support. “I have absolutely zero sympathy for these people,” Albanese told reporters. “I do have sympathy for the children, who are victims of decisions that their parents have made.” He further mentioned the need for support for children exposed to horrors within the camps.
Police investigations into the potential involvement of Australians in atrocities in Syria have been ongoing for over a decade. Currently, another 21 Australian women and children remain in Roj camp, with plans for their repatriation reported within weeks. One of these women is subject to a temporary exclusion order prohibiting her return to Australia.
Australia has the ability to issue such orders to prevent high-risk citizens from returning for up to two years, enacted through laws introduced in 2019 aimed at stopping defeated IS fighters from re-entering the country. However, such orders cannot be applied to children under 14, and Australia has ruled out separating children from their mothers.
In two past instances, Australian governments have repatriated citizens from Syrian detention camps. Other Australians have returned without state assistance.
Key Takeaways
- Three Australian women face serious charges related to slavery and terrorism upon returning from Syria.
- They were held in the Roj camp, which houses women and children displaced by the Islamic State.
- Kawsar Abbas and Zeinab Ahmed’s alleged involvement includes purchasing a Yazidi slave.
- Janai Safar faces charges of membership in a terrorist organization after arriving back in Australia.
- The Australian government has shown no intention of assisting the repatriation of these individuals.
- An ongoing investigation into Australian nationals’ involvement in Syria has been in progress for over a decade.
- Repatriation efforts continue for additional Australians remaining in Roj camp.
FAQ
What charges are the Australian women facing?
The women face charges related to slavery and terrorism, including buying a Yazidi slave and membership in a terrorist organization.
Where have these women been detained?
They have been held at the Roj camp in northeastern Syria since their capture by Kurdish forces in 2019.
Will the Australian government assist their repatriation?
The government has indicated that it will not provide assistance for their return to Australia.
What is the status of other Australians in Roj camp?
Another 21 Australian women and children remain in the camp, with plans for repatriation reported to take place soon.
What are temporary exclusion orders?
These orders prevent high-risk citizens from returning to Australia for up to two years and are part of recent laws aimed at keeping IS fighters from re-entering the country.
