Story perspectives

Melbourne Grants Bail to Ex-ISIS Bride, Daughter Denied

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Melbourne magistrate granted bail to 54-year-old former ISIS bride Kawsar Ahmad despite prosecutors’ warning she could spread extremist ideas.
Her brother posted a $75,000 surety, requiring her to keep a nightly curfew, report thrice weekly, and use only one restricted phone.
A forensic psychologist reported that Ahmad suffers from anxiety and depression-related disorders.
Her daughter Zeinab Ahmad was denied bail as the court deemed her an unreasonable community risk.

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Story summary

A Melbourne magistrate granted bail to 54-year-old former ISIS bride Kawsar Ahmad despite prosecutors’ warning she could spread extremist ideas.
Her brother posted a $75,000 surety, requiring her to keep a nightly curfew, report thrice weekly, and use only one restricted phone.
A forensic psychologist reported that Ahmad suffers from anxiety and depression-related disorders.
Her daughter Zeinab Ahmad was denied bail as the court deemed her an unreasonable community risk.