Two Australian women charged with slavery offences allegedly committed while living under Islamic State rule in Syria have appeared before a Melbourne court.
Court Appearance
Kawsar Ahmad, 53, also known as Abbas, and her daughter Zeinab Ahmad, 31, faced Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan on Monday. The pair were arrested at Melbourne airport on Thursday by officers from the Victorian joint counter-terrorism team.
Police allege the women travelled to Syria in 2014 with their family and knowingly kept an enslaved woman in their home. Kawsar is also accused of being complicit in purchasing an enslaved woman for $10,000 US.
Bail Applications
The Melbourne magistrates court heard that neither woman would apply for bail during the initial hearing, contrary to earlier indications. Zeinab is expected to seek bail on June 4, followed by Kawsar on June 16.
Peter Morrissey SC, representing Kawsar, noted that "other issues" might arise during Zeinab's application, which could influence his client's bail bid. The women were remanded in custody without entering a plea.
Charges and Allegations
The Australian Federal Police allege the offences are terrorism-related and are expected to oppose bail. Court documents released on Friday detail the charges against both women.
Kawsar is accused of intentionally exercising powers of ownership over a person as part of a widespread attack on civilians, and of slave trading. Zeinab faces similar charges of exercising ownership and possession of a slave.
The alleged offences occurred between June 1, 2017, and November 1, 2018, in multiple locations in Deir ez-Zur province, eastern Syria, including Mayadin, Hajim, and Gharanij.
