Australia arrests two ISIS-linked women in shocking Syria slavery case

The women, aged 53 and 31, were arrested upon their arrival at Melbourne International Airport on May 7 and are scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 8, authorities said.

Allegations against the 53-year-old woman

According to police, the 53-year-old woman has been charged with multiple offences under Australia’s Criminal Code Act 1995, including crimes against humanity through enslavement, possession and use of a slave, and engaging in slave trading through the alleged purchase of a slave.

Each of the offences carries a maximum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment.

Police alleged that the woman travelled to Syria in 2014 with her husband and children and was complicit in purchasing a female slave for USD 10,000. Authorities further alleged she knowingly kept the woman in the family home.

Charges against the younger woman

The 31-year-old woman has been charged with crimes against humanity through enslavement and use of a slave, both carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

Investigators alleged that she travelled to Syria with her family in 2014 and knowingly kept a female slave in the home.

Held in Kurdish detention camp since 2019

Police said both women were detained by Kurdish forces in March 2019 and had since been held, along with family members, at the Al Roj Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Syria.

Australian authorities cite long-running counter-terror probe

AFP Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism Stephen Nutt said operational planning for the possible return of individuals from the Middle East began in 2015 and was later formalised 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,” Nutt said.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said authorities would continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure community safety.

“Victoria Police will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners and other agencies to ensure there is no risk to our local community,” O’Brien said.