A Victorian woman who returned to Australia from Syria in September last year has been charged by the Victoria Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) for allegedly entering and remaining in a declared conflict zone and joining ISIS.
The woman, 34, is expected to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today, after being arrested by the Victoria JCTT.
The Broadmeadows woman was charged with:
- One count of entering, or remaining in, declared areas, contrary to section 119.2 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth)
- One count of being a member of a terrorist organisation, contrary to section 102.3(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
Both offences carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
The Victoria JCTT executed warrants at homes in Broadmeadows and Fitzroy North today, where they seized a suspected stolen motor vehicle, electronic devices, documents and photographs, which will undergo forensic examination.
It will be alleged she travelled to Syria between 2013 and 2014 with others, including a man, to join ISIS. The man is believed to be incarcerated in a Middle East prison.
The woman was detained by Kurdish forces in March 2019. She was held with other family members in the al-Hawl Internally Displaced Persons camp. She returned from Lebanon to Australia with another woman, 36, on 26 September, 2025.
“We have a responsibility to all Victorians to keep them safe which includes holding anyone who has committed serious offences to account,” said Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Libby Murphy.
“Victoria Police will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners and other stakeholders and where we have information about criminal offending, we will act.
“We want to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to ensure there is no risk to the Victorian community from those returning from conflict areas.”
AFP Deputy Commissioner National Security Investigations Hilda Sirec said the JCTTs had charged four women in the past three weeks for alleged crimes against humanity and terrorism-related offences.
“These operations are complex, but JCTT investigators are extremely experienced and dedicated to keeping the community safe,’’ Deputy Commissioner Sirec said.
“It is important to note that a period of time without charges being laid is not an indicator that investigations have ceased.
“Investigations are continuing into all the recent adult female returnees from Syrian camps.
“Anyone who would like to provide information about the investigation is encouraged to call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.”
The Victoria JCTT comprises the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO.
