Story perspectives

Australian Returnee Charged with Terrorism After Syria Detention

5/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

She was charged in Melbourne with entering a conflict zone and belonging to a terrorist organization, facing ten years imprisonment.
She spent years detained in Syria’s al-Hawl camp after Kurdish forces captured her in March 2019.
She arrived in Australia on 26 September 2025 with another woman.
Investigators are examining both women’s activities under Operation Kurrajong.
Deputy commissioner Libby Murphy urged the public to call the National Security Hotline.

History

Historical Context

Following the September 11 2001 attacks, Australia enacted the Anti-Terrorism Act 2004 and expanded powers in the 2005 amendment, allowing police to detain suspects for up to two-week detention without charge. This mirrors the United Kingdom’s long-standing counter-terrorism regime, which began with the 1938 Prevention of Violence Act and was repeatedly updated after the 2001 anti-terrorism, crime and security legislation.

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Story summary

She was charged in Melbourne with entering a conflict zone and belonging to a terrorist organization, facing ten years imprisonment.
She spent years detained in Syria’s al-Hawl camp after Kurdish forces captured her in March 2019.
She arrived in Australia on 26 September 2025 with another woman.
Investigators are examining both women’s activities under Operation Kurrajong.
Deputy commissioner Libby Murphy urged the public to call the National Security Hotline.

1 / 2