Australian Woman Charged After Return From Syrian Camp Over Alleged Islamic State Links

May 28, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

An Australian woman who returned to the country in September after being held in a Syrian refugee camp has been charged with terrorism-related offences linked to alleged travel to join Islamic State.

The 34-year-old is accused of travelling to Syria between 2013 and 2014 with a group that included a man, during which she allegedly sought to join Islamic State.

She is expected to appear before a Melbourne court. The charges carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

Authorities said she travelled back to Australia from Lebanon alongside another woman aged 36, while noting that investigations into both individuals are ongoing.

The case forms part of a broader pattern of Australian repatriations from Syrian camps, some of which have resulted in criminal proceedings.

The returns have prompted political debate in Australia, with critics arguing that authorities failed to prevent travel to conflict zones.