Three Australian women were arrested at Sydney Airport on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, shortly after their arrival from northeastern Syria. The arrests were made by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) following a government-led repatriation operation. The women face charges related to alleged links with the Islamic State (IS) group and potential slavery offences.

The women were part of a larger group of 17 Australian women and children who were repatriated from the al-Roj displacement camp in Syria, where they had been living for several years. This repatriation effort, which brought the group back via a chartered flight, has previously drawn controversy due to national security concerns raised by some officials.

Federal police confirmed that the arrests were the culmination of long-running investigations. Authorities emphasized that each individual case is subject to thorough assessment and independent investigation, indicating that not all individuals returning from conflict zones automatically face charges.

Details of the charges include:

  • Two women, aged 29 and 30, were charged with entering, remaining, or residing in a declared area, specifically Syria. This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
  • A third woman, aged 29, was charged with engaging in a slave-like state and commercial dealing in slaves. This charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment.

These charges stem from alleged activities and circumstances during their time in Syria. The AFP has stated that investigations remain ongoing, and further details may emerge as the legal process unfolds. The specific nature of the alleged IS links related to the "declared area" charges was not detailed in initial police statements.

The al-Roj camp, located in northeastern Syria, holds thousands of foreign women and children associated with Islamic State fighters. International efforts have been underway for years to repatriate citizens from such camps, often balancing humanitarian concerns with national security considerations.

All three women are scheduled to appear before the Parramatta Local Court. The court proceedings are expected to clarify further details surrounding the allegations and the evidence collected by authorities. The Australian government has not commented further on the specific arrests but has previously indicated its commitment to addressing the complex issue of returning citizens from conflict zones.