After years in a Syrian camp, three Australian women have returned to their home country, only to face serious charges related to slavery and terrorism. Their arrival, along with nine children, marks a significant development in Australia’s ongoing efforts to address links to the Islamic State group.
The women had been living in the Roj camp for years before flying back on Qatar Airways. The Australian government had previously warned that anyone linked to IS would be prosecuted upon return (source).
Charges and Court Proceedings
Kawsar Abbas, 53, and her daughter Zeinab Ahmed, 31, appeared in a Melbourne court accused of purchasing a female Yazidi slave for $10,000. Police allege that the slave lived in their family home, leading to charges of crimes against humanity and slavery. Both women face potential sentences of up to 25 years if convicted.
The legal representatives of Abbas and Ahmed will seek bail on Monday, although their initial request was denied during a brief court appearance. Abbas and her family reportedly moved to Syria in 2014, during the height of the IS caliphate.
In a separate case, Janai Safar, 32, was detained at Sydney Airport. She is accused of being part of a terrorist group and entering an IS-controlled area without a valid reason. Her bail request was also rejected by a judge, despite her lawyer arguing that her and her son’s potential PTSD should be considered.
Government’s Stance
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed sympathy for the children who returned, but made it clear that their parents would not receive governmental support. “I have absolutely zero sympathy for these people,” Albanese stated. “I do have sympathy for the children, who are victims of decisions that their parents have made.”
Future Repatriations and Legal Measures
Authorities continue to investigate Australians’ involvement in Syrian conflicts. There are still 21 Australians in the Roj camp, with plans for their repatriation underway. Some individuals face temporary exclusion orders, a measure introduced in 2019 to prevent the return of high-risk citizens for up to two years. These orders cannot be applied to children under 14, and Australia has ruled out separating families.
Australia has conducted two repatriation missions from Syrian camps, while other citizens have returned independently. These efforts highlight the complex challenges in balancing national security with humanitarian concerns.
