Australia: ISIS Brides Charged with Enslaving Non-Muslims Appeal for Release into the Community

Al-Hol camp, Syria, by Y. Boechat (VOA), Public domain | Jihad Watch

Two women allegedly linked to the Islamic State are seeking release into the community after being arrested and charged with slavery-related offences within hours of returning to Australia from a refugee camp in Syria.

Kawsar Ahmad, 53, and Zeinab Ahmad, 31, appeared briefly before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday, where they were remanded in custody. Their legal teams are expected to apply for bail during a scheduled court hearing on Monday.

The two women were among a larger group of Australian women and children repatriated from a Syrian refugee camp on Thursday, ending years of detention in the conflict-ravaged region. Their arrival drew significant public and media attention amid heightened security at the airport.

Authorities allege that Kawsar Ahmad, also known as Abbas, travelled to Syria in 2014 with her husband and children to join territory controlled by Islamic State. Investigators claim she was involved in the purchase of a female slave for approximately $10,000 and knowingly held the victim in her home.

Police further allege that Zeinab Ahmad also kept a female slave at her residence in Syria. She has been charged with enslavement and using a slave, offences linked to the same period of alleged criminal conduct.

In a separate but related development, Janai Safar, 32, was arrested after arriving in Sydney. She faces charges including entering a prohibited area and membership in a terrorist organisation, adding to the growing legal scrutiny surrounding Australians repatriated from former Islamic State territories.

The cases are expected to intensify debate in Australia over national security, accountability, and the legal handling of citizens returning from conflict zones once controlled by extremist groups.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)