Full Breakdown
Australian Women Charged with Slavery and Terrorism Offences After Returning From Syrian ISIS Camps
5/8/2026, 9:40:46 PM
Return of Former ISIS-Linked Australians Sparks Criminal Charges
On 7 May 2026, three Australian women—Kawsar Abbas (53), daughter Zeinab Ahmed (31), and Janai Safar (32)—were detained at Melbourne and Sydney airports after returning from al-Roj camp. Abbas and Ahmed face four and two crimes against humanity for buying and keeping a Yazidi slave, punishable by up to 25 years. Safar is charged with terrorist-organisation membership and unlawful presence in a conflict zone, carrying up to 10 years.
Background: ISIS Involvement and Syrian Detention Camps
Home Affairs estimates 200 Australians travelled to Syria or Iraq to support ISIS between 2012-2019. After ISIS’s defeat, families were confined to al-Roj. Australia repatriated four women and 13 children in 2022; 34 women and children attempted to leave the camp in early 2026 but were delayed before the May return.
Key Figures: Individuals and Government Officials
Abbas and Ahmed travelled to Syria in 2014; they allegedly bought a Yazidi slave for US$10,000 and kept her at home. Safar arrived in 2015 to join her husband, an ISIS fighter who died. Officials include Stephen Nutt, Anthony Albanese and Martin O’Brien.
Data & Statistics
The May return brought three women and nine children from a cohort of 34 Australians who attempted to leave al-Roj. About 21 Australians remain in the camp. Slavery offences carry up to 25 years, terrorism offences up to 10 years.
Official Statements & Responses
Stephen Nutt said the probe targets “all Australians who travelled to conflict zones” and that “this remains an active investigation into serious allegations.” Albanese said he has “zero sympathy for these people” but “sympathy for the children.” Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner O’Brien said there is no community risk and offenders will be held to account.
Criticism & Opposition
Humanitarian groups say priority should be the nine children, who are two-thirds of the returnees. Save the Children Australia chief Mat Tinkler urged focus on child welfare. Law professor Donald Rothwell warned that prosecuting the women on slavery charges is unprecedented and faces a high evidentiary burden.
What’s Next
The women will face trial in Melbourne and Sydney later this year. Authorities note more Australians remain in al-Roj and are reviewing the temporary exclusion order framework. Child-focused NGOs will monitor the nine returned minors, while legal experts expect further scrutiny of the unprecedented slavery charges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This remains an active investigation into very serious allegations.” — Stephen Nutt, AFP Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism
- “I have absolutely zero sympathy for these people,” — Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia
- “Two-thirds of this cohort that we’re talking about ... are children. So there’s been a lot of focus on the women and the choices they may have made. But we need the focus now to be on these children and give them a chance of resuming a normal life here in Australia,” — Mat Tinkler, Save the Children Australia CEO
- “There’s really no precedent of any such charges being brought before an Australian court,” — Donald Rothwell, ANU professor of international law
