Two so-called “ISIS brides” have been charged with alleged crimes against humanity just hours after arriving back in Australia from Syria. The women, aged 51 and 53, were arrested soon after their flight from Doha touched down at Melbourne International Airport on Thursday night.
Background of the Case
They had travelled from Syria amid an ongoing saga to return to Australia following their detainment by Kurdish forces in March 2019. Both will face Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday, charged with a number of slavery allegations.
Allegations Against the Older Woman
Police will allege in 2014 the older woman travelled with her husband and children to Syria where she was “complicit in the purchase of a female slave for US$10,000 and knowingly kept the woman in the home”. She has been charged with enslavement, possessing a slave, using a slave and engaging in slave trading.
Allegations Against the Younger Woman
The younger woman also allegedly travelled to Syria in 2014 with her family and kept a female slave in the home. She was charged with enslavement and using a slave.
Potential Penalties
Australian Federal Police say both women now face up to 25 years behind bars if convicted. Both women were detained by Kurdish forces in March 2019 before being held at a refugee camp with other family members.
Related Arrest in Sydney
Another woman, 32, was arrested in Sydney and charged with entering or remaining in a declared area and being a member of a terrorist organisation. Both offences carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment if convicted. She is expected to appear before a Sydney court on Friday.
