Australia Repatriates 13 Citizens from Roj Camp in Syria

SadaNews - Australian police announced on Wednesday that a group of 13 Australian women and children linked to individuals suspected of belonging to the Islamic State organization will be returning home from Syria, stating that "some of them will be detained".

The Australian government had previously refused to provide any support for the repatriation of its citizens in northeastern Syria who are suspected of ties to the Islamic State organization.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed in February that his government would not repatriate any Australian citizens residing in a Syrian camp where families of individuals suspected of belonging to the Islamic State are being held, emphasizing that Canberra adopts a "very firm stance" of not providing any assistance or facilitation for their return.

Local media reported that the four women and nine children who were living in the Roj camp in northeastern Syria are expected to arrive at Sydney and Melbourne airports on Thursday.

Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke confirmed on Wednesday that the group has booked to return to Australia, adding in a press conference, "The government does not assist and will not assist these individuals".

He stated, "They made a horrendous and shameful decision, and if any of these individuals manage to return to Australia, and if they have committed crimes, they should expect to face the maximum penalties as stipulated by law, without exception".

Police stated that they have gathered evidence in Syria as part of an investigation to determine whether Australians have committed offenses under Australian law, including traveling to a prohibited area and participating in human trafficking.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Kersie Barrett said in a press conference, "Some individuals will be detained and charged".

Source: Al Jazeera + AFP