Arrests and Charges for Women Linked to Islamic State
Three women have been arrested and charged in connection with their alleged ties to the Islamic State (ISIS) terror group after returning from the Middle East. They will remain in custody following their first appearances in court.
Two of the women, who arrived in Melbourne, have been charged with crimes against humanity. A third woman, who landed in Sydney, faces terror-related charges. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has alleged that 53-year-old Kawsar Abbas, who arrived in Melbourne, traveled to Syria with her husband and children in 2014. According to investigators, she was “complicit in the purchase of a female slave for $10,000 USD, and knowingly kept the woman in the home.”
Ms. Abbas, who appeared in court under the name Kawsar Ahmad, is facing multiple charges including enslavement, possessing a slave, using a slave, and engaging in slave trading. These offenses carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. Another woman, 31-year-old Zeinab Ahmad, who also arrived in Melbourne, has been charged with enslavement and use of a slave.
A third woman, believed to be Zahra Ahmed, 33, was not arrested. Ms. Abbas and Ms. Ahmad were brought before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday for a brief hearing. They were flanked by security guards and did not speak during the proceedings.
Their lawyers stated that they would apply for bail on Monday, but until then, the two women will remain in custody. Details about the charges were not disclosed in court, but the allegations are expected to be discussed at the bail hearing before Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan. The prosecutor mentioned that the brief of evidence will be served to the defense within six weeks.
According to court documents, the charges relate to alleged offenses committed between June 1, 2017, and November 1, 2018. The charges mention several locations in the Deir ez-Zur province in Syria, including Mayadin, Hajin, Gharanij, Bahra, Abu Hamam, and Walaa.
Sydney Woman Denied Bail
Another woman, Janai Safar, 32, was charged with terror-related offenses after arriving at Sydney International Airport. She is one of over a dozen women and children linked to former ISIS fighters who returned to Australia nearly two weeks after leaving a refugee camp in Syria.
Ms. Safar was charged by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) with allegedly entering and remaining in a declared conflict zone and joining ISIS at Mascot Police Station on Thursday night. Both offenses carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
She faced a virtual court hearing on Friday wearing a white head covering and green top. Her defense lawyer, Michael Ainsworth, argued that both Ms. Safar and her nine-year-old son were likely suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and required urgent medical care after being exposed to “truly horrific conditions.” He also emphasized that her son “knows nobody else but her” and that separation would be traumatic.
Mr. Ainsworth also suggested there would be a delay in resolving the case, stating it would take a “very, very long time to resolve.” However, the Crown opposed the release, citing the seriousness of the offenses and the strength of the case. Prosecutor Brian Massone claimed that Ms. Safar “intentionally and impermissibly travelled to the city of Raqqa,” which was under Islamic State control.
She was denied bail and is scheduled to appear in court again in July. The women involved are part of a group often referred to as “ISIS brides” who moved to Syria during the height of the Islamic State movement. They became trapped there after the group’s territorial “caliphate” was defeated and spent over six years in refugee camps.
Long-Term Investigations
In a statement released late on Thursday night, Assistant Commissioner Nutt mentioned that operational planning for the potential return of individuals from the Middle East began in 2015 and was later formalized under an overarching operation named Kurrajong.
“Australian JCTTs methodically investigated all Australians who travelled to declared conflict areas and will ensure those who are alleged to have committed a criminal offence are put before the courts,” Assistant Commissioner Nutt said. “JCTTs include some of the most experienced national security investigators and analysts in our country. This remains an active investigation into very serious allegations.”
The NSW JCTT consists of the AFP, NSW Police Force, ASIO, and the NSW Crime Commission. Their work highlights the ongoing efforts to address the legal and security implications of individuals returning to Australia with suspected ties to terrorist organizations.
