Australia charges alleged ISIL-linked woman after return from Syria
Al Jazeera • • world
Key Points:
- Australia has charged a 34-year-old woman with membership in a terrorist organisation and entering a declared conflict zone after her return from Syria, where she was detained in al-Hol camp with her family.
- The woman traveled to Syria in 2013 or 2014 and was detained by Kurdish forces in 2019; she is due to appear in a Melbourne court and faces up to 10 years in prison for each offence.
- Authorities are investigating all adult nationals repatriated from detention camps in northeast Syria, with some facing additional charges including crimes against humanity and enslavement-related offences.
- The latest group of returnees is believed to include the last Australians held in Roj camp, and their repatriation has sparked political debate, with the government distancing itself from facilitating their return.
- Advocacy groups emphasize the right of citizens, especially children, to return to Australia, arguing they should not be held accountable for their parents' actions.