ISIS Bride Accused of Slavery Seeks Australian Bail
A 53-year-old woman, Kawsar Abbas, accused of enslavement and trafficking within the Islamic State, is seeking release on bail into the Australian community. Abbas appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, facing serious charges including enslavement, possessing a slave, using a slave, and engaging in slave trading.
Allegations of Ideological Indoctrination and Weaponry
During the bail hearing, Australian Federal Police Detective Senior Constable Marc Clendenning presented evidence suggesting Abbas indoctrinated her family with extremist ideology while living in Syria. Detective Clendenning stated that Abbas allegedly taught religious practices and ideology within her household and expressed concern she would continue such activities if released.
The court heard testimony from Abbas’ alleged slave, who reportedly claimed Abbas instructed her on reading the Quran and behaving as Islamic State warriors did. According to Detective Clendenning, Abbas allegedly told the slave, “I want you to be taught how to use weapons according to the Daish beliefs. We should be the same. Whatever they do, we have to be the same.”
Further allegations include threats of violence and the possession of firearms. The detective told the court that the alleged slave claimed Abbas owned a Kalashnikov rifle and a Glock pistol, and demonstrated knowledge of how to use and maintain them.
Challenging Bail Prospects
Abbas’ bid for bail faces significant hurdles. Her daughter, Zeinab Ahmad, 31, was recently denied bail by Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan, who cited a substantial risk to the community. Detective Clendenning echoed these concerns, anticipating that Abbas would continue to promote Islamic State ideology within Australia, potentially in local mosques.
“The accused is expected to continue practising Islam in Australia and attend local Islamic mosques. The accused has previously taught extreme interpretations of Islam,” Detective Clendenning stated. “She has the propensity to further expand these teachings and ideology to Islamic Australians while in mosques.”
Husband’s Alleged Brutality and Slave’s Ordeal
The proceedings also shed light on the alleged actions of Abbas’ husband, Mohammad Ahmad, who is reportedly in a Syrian prison. Evidence presented indicated that Mohammad Ahmad was a brutal slaveholder, with the family slave alleging he routinely assaulted her. One incident described involved him punching her and dragging her down two flights of stairs by her hair.
The enslaved girl, who was allegedly taken captive at 15 after her mother and brother were killed by ISIS combatants, reportedly spent five years being traded approximately 17 times to different ISIS members. During this period, she endured beatings, torture, and rape. Police allege the Ahmad family purchased the girl for US$10,000 in 2017, with Mohammad Ahmad allegedly stating, “I bought you for sex and housework,” and later, “I bought you for the purpose of raping and at the same time serving the home.”
Renunciation of ISIS Denied and Affirmed
Detective Clendenning claimed that unlike her daughter, Kawsar Abbas had not renounced the terror organization. This assertion was strongly contested by Abbas’ barrister, Peter Morrissey, SC, who argued that his client had indeed distanced herself from ISIS.
Mr. Morrissey told the court that it was “fanciful” to suggest Abbas would attempt to recruit others for jihadist activities in Australia. He stated that Abbas had informed a psychologist and her legal counsel that she wanted no further association with ISIS, describing the group as “terrible.” Mr. Morrissey suggested her renunciation had placed her in disfavor with the organization.
The bail hearing is scheduled to continue.
