Woman accused of promoting ISIS propaganda ‘dressed up as religious hymns’ released on bail
New details of how a young Australian woman allegedly promoted ISIS propaganda “dressed up as religious hymns” online has been revealed in court.
A young woman accused of promoting ISIS propaganda “dressed up as religious hymns” will trade 23-hour prison lockdowns for house arrest following a decision to release her from custody.
Police allege Shantel Shandil, 24, glorified allegiance to terrorist groups, promoted violent extremist material and glorified martyrdom online.
She is further accused of posting the material on social media, which the Australian Federal Police allege “were intended to motivate or inspire people to commit violent acts, and glorified martyrdom and allegiance to known terrorist groups”.
Justice Stephen Campbell revealed the alleged violent extremist material was “propaganda for the notorious ISIS terrorist organisation”.
“Electronic devices were seized, and they were found to contain a body of material which frankly was ISIS propaganda dressed up as religious hymns or poetry,” Justice Campbell said during a bail hearing in the Supreme Court of NSW on Wednesday.
“(It’s a) strong Crown case that (Ms Shandil) was promoting or republishing this propaganda.
“There’s no doubt that the content of the material … falls into the category of violent extremist material.”
Crown prosecutor Rajiv Baldeo alleged the material was published on an Instagram page concerning a desire for the enforcement of sharia Law, which is Islamic law based on religious scriptures.
The Instagram account was allegedly followed by more than 2000 people, and could have been viewed by hundreds of thousands of people, Mr Baldeo argued.
Ms Shandil has a bachelor in Islamic studies and is currently studying a masters of teaching, the court was told, however it was not suggested her studies were linked to her seeking out the extremist material she is accused of promoting.
“She completed a degree in Islamic studies, but it’s part of the understanding of the law in this regard that violent terrorism …(has) nothing to do with the true tenants of Islamic faith,” Justice Campbell said.
Ms Shandil beamed into the court from Silverwater Correctional, where she has been subjected to 23-hour lockdowns per day.
She replied “yep” when Justice Campbell confirmed her identity.
“Yep Your Honour, because you’re in court,” Justice Campbell said.
“Yes Your Honour,” she replied.
Her lawyer Ertunc Ozen SC told the court she was “suffering” in custody as he pushed for her to be released on bail.
Justice Campbell ultimately granted the application, allowing her release under strict bail conditions.
Ms Shandil wiped away tears as he read out the conditions, which require her to complete a psychological deradicalisation program and remain on house arrest.
She has also been barred from leaving the country, possessing or using any encrypted device or application, and from interacting with violent extremist material.
“Ms Shandil you must understand that you’re in very serious trouble, and that the conditions of bail that I’m going to impose must be observed in all respects,” Justice Campbell said.
He warned she will be rearrested should she breach her bail.
“Yes Your Honour,” Ms Shandil replied.
The court was earlier told the extremist material was “freely available” on the internet, with Ms Shandil alleged to have found it on the internet, not the dark web.
“She’s not posting her own thoughts or plans … there are no how to guides there’s nothing of any specific or practical use within any of these posts, and that’s important,” Mr Ozen said.
“Other than posting what is freely available on the internet, what has she added to the terrorist cause?”
Justice Campbell said: “She may not have added to the content but the allegations against her are that she … published it and promoted the content.”
“The point I’m making is she hasn’t created something that isn’t available elsewhere,” Mr Ozen replied.
Ms Shandil is expected to appear before Penrith Local Court next week in relation to the charges of using a carriage service for violent extremist material, and possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained or accessed using a carriage service.
Pleas have not yet been entered.
Originally published as Woman accused of promoting ISIS propaganda ‘dressed up as religious hymns’ released on bail
