Australian Women From Syria Arrested For Slavery and Terrorism Charges

Three women have been arrested upon returning to Australia from Syria. This follows the repatriation of 13 Australians from detention camps.
By Newsroom | Crime, Australia |

Three women who recently returned to Australia from Syria have been arrested and face allegations related to slavery and terrorism offenses. The arrests occurred upon their arrival at airports in Melbourne and Sydney on Thursday.

These arrests follow the repatriation of 13 Australians – four women and nine children – from Syrian detention camps. Police confirmed that some individuals will face criminal investigations and potential charges linked to alleged ties with the Islamic State group (ISIL/ISIS).

One woman, identified as Janai Safar, 32, was arrested at Sydney airport on Thursday evening and subsequently refused bail on Friday. She was scheduled to appear before a NSW bail court. Another woman, landing in Melbourne, is slated to be charged with two slavery offenses.

Australian authorities have previously repatriated citizens from Syrian detention facilities. On a prior occasion, the government had banned one woman from returning. Officials had been alerted to the upcoming flights of the four women and nine children from Damascus.

Read More: Safar Denied Bail After Arriving in Sydney

Save the Children Australia chief executive, Mat Tinkler, emphasized the need for authorities to prioritize the welfare of the returned children. The group had been living in the Roj camp in northeastern Syria.

Background Tangles

The Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Krissy Barrett, indicated that while some members of the returning group would be taken into custody, others would remain under active investigation. This development comes as Australian governments have engaged in repatriation efforts from Syrian camps on two separate occasions. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke had been informed of the flight arrangements.

Reports from earlier in the week stated that a number of Australian women with alleged connections to IS militants would face arrest and investigation upon their return. The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, had previously indicated a stance of offering no assistance to relatives of ISIL members held in Syrian camps.

Read More: Minister Wells Repays $10,116 After Travel Expenses Audit

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were Australian women arrested after returning from Syria?
Three Australian women were arrested at airports in Melbourne and Sydney on Thursday. They face serious charges including slavery and terrorism offenses, with some allegedly linked to the Islamic State group.
Q: What happened to the 13 Australians repatriated from Syria?
The repatriation included four women and nine children. Police confirmed some individuals will face criminal investigations and potential charges upon arrival.
Q: What specific charges are the women facing?
One woman, Janai Safar, 32, was arrested in Sydney and refused bail. Another woman in Melbourne will be charged with two slavery offenses.
Q: What is the government's stance on citizens returning from Syrian camps?
Australian authorities have conducted repatriation efforts. Previously, one woman was banned from returning. The Prime Minister has indicated a stance of offering no assistance to relatives of ISIL members held in Syrian camps.