MELBOURNE —Australian authorities have charged three women with terrorism-related and human rights offences after they returned from Syria this week following years in detention camps linked to the collapse of the Islamic State (IS) group.
The women arrived in Australia on Thursday along with several children and were quickly taken into custody by federal police officers.
Mother and Daughter Accused in Slavery-Related Case
Among those charged are 53-year-old Kawsar Ahmad and her daughter, 31-year-old Zeinab Ahmad, who appeared before a Melbourne court on Friday.
Investigators allege the pair travelled to Syria in 2014 with family members and later kept a woman in conditions amounting to slavery inside their home during the period of Islamic State control.
Police claim the woman had been purchased for around US$10,000. Kawsar Ahmad faces four crimes against humanity charges, while Zeinab Ahmad faces two similar counts.
The court remanded both women in custody until their next hearing, where bail applications are expected to be submitted.
Separate Terrorism Charges Filed in Sydney
A third woman, 32-year-old Janai Safar, appeared before a Sydney court after arriving in Australia with her son.
Authorities allege Safar travelled to Syria in 2015 to join her husband, who was reportedly associated with the Islamic State group.
She has been charged with entering a prohibited conflict zone and allegedly being a member of a terrorist organisation. If convicted, she could face significant prison time.
Safar was denied release and is expected to return to court later this year.
Australian Police Continue Investigations
Australian Federal Police officials stated that investigations involving citizens who travelled to conflict regions remain active.
Counter-terrorism authorities said the government is committed to bringing anyone suspected of involvement in extremist activities before the courts.
Returnees Came From Syrian Detention Camp
The women were among a group of Australian nationals who had been living in the al-Roj detention camp in northeastern Syria since 2019 after the territorial defeat of Islamic State forces.
Reports indicate dozens of Australian women and children have remained stranded in Syrian camps for years amid debates over repatriation and national security concerns.
Airport Arrival Draws Heavy Attention
Crowds gathered outside Melbourne Airport on Thursday evening as relatives and supporters met one returning woman who was not arrested.
Television crews and photographers were present when several men attempted to shield the woman and children from public view as they left the terminal area.