Three Australian women, reportedly connected to the Islamic State (ISIS), have been officially charged in Australia after returning from Syria. They appeared in court in Melbourne and Sydney and face multiple charges related to war crimes and terrorist activities.
Kosar Ahmed, 53, and her daughter Zainab Ahmed, 31, appeared in a Melbourne court on Friday, 1 May, less than 24 hours after being arrested at the airport. Australian Federal Police officials stated that the two women had traveled to Syria in 2014.
According to police allegations, Kosar Ahmed, previously known as Kosar Abbas, went to Syria with her husband and children and was involved in the purchase of a female slave valued at $10,000 USD. Police also claim that she knowingly kept the woman in her home.
Kosar Ahmed faces four charges of crimes against humanity, while her daughter Zainab Ahmed faces two similar charges. Australian judicial authorities have said that these charges could carry up to 25 years in prison.
In a separate case, Jennay Safar, 32, also appeared in a Sydney court on Friday. She is accused of entering and remaining in a war zone, as well as joining ISIS. Jennay Safar arrived in Sydney with her son on Thursday.
Local media reported that the court session in Melbourne was brief, during which no questions were asked of the defendants. The defendants also made no statements in court and were remanded in custody for three days after the session ended.
Meanwhile, Zahra Ahmed, another adult child of Kosar Ahmed, also arrived in Melbourne on Thursday, but no reports regarding her detention have been released so far.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
