Three Women Face Terrorism and Crimes Against Humanity Allegations
MELBOURNE —Three Australian women accused of links to the Islamic State (IS) group have been formally charged after returning from Syria, Australian authorities confirmed on Friday.
The women arrived in Australia alongside several children after spending years in detention camps in northern Syria. Two appeared before a court in Melbourne, while another faced separate proceedings in Sydney.
Kawsar Ahmad Accused of Keeping Female Slave
Australian investigators allege that 53-year-old Kawsar Ahmad travelled to Syria with her family in 2014 and participated in keeping a woman as a slave inside the family residence.
Police claim the victim was purchased for approximately $10,000 and forced to remain in the household. Ahmad now faces four charges linked to crimes against humanity.
Authorities said the allegations are connected to activities that allegedly took place during the height of Islamic State control in Syria.
Zeinab Ahmad Also Faces Human Rights Charges
Zeinab Ahmad, 31, has also been charged over allegations that she knowingly kept the enslaved woman in the same home.
Both mother and daughter appeared briefly before Melbourne Magistrates Court and were remanded in custody until their next hearing. Defence lawyers are expected to apply for bail.
If convicted, the women could face prison sentences of up to 25 years.
Janai Safar Charged With Joining Islamic State
In Sydney, 32-year-old Janai Safar appeared before court after arriving in Australia with her son.
Police allege Safar travelled to Syria in 2015 to join her husband, who had reportedly joined the Islamic State group earlier.
She has been charged with entering a declared conflict zone and allegedly being a member of a terrorist organisation. The offences each carry potential prison terms of up to 10 years.
Safar remains in custody and is due to return to court in July.
Australian Federal Police Continue Counter-Terrorism Investigation
Australian Federal Police officials described the allegations as extremely serious and confirmed investigations into Australians who travelled to conflict zones are continuing.
Counter-terrorism authorities said they remain committed to prosecuting anyone suspected of involvement in terrorism-related activities overseas.
Women Returned From Syria Detention Camp
The women were part of a larger group of Australian citizens who had been living in the al-Roj detention camp in Syria since 2019 following the collapse of Islamic State territory.
Several women and children from the camp have been seeking permission to return to Australia in recent years.
Chaotic Scenes Reported at Melbourne Airport
Tense scenes unfolded at Melbourne Airport on Thursday evening when one returning woman who was not arrested exited the arrivals area with children.
A group of men surrounded the family members as journalists and camera crews waited outside the terminal.
