‘ISIS bride’ Mariam Raad charged in Sydney after repatriation

An “ISIS bride” who returned to Australia last year has been charged by the Australian Federal Police.

Australian Federal Police charged the woman in Wagga Wagga today. Picture: Supplied

An “ISIS bride” who returned to Australia last year has been charged by police.

Mariam Raad was arrested on Thursday morning, after being part of the 17 women and children who were repatriated last October.

She was charged with entering a declared area, believed to be the Syrian city of Raqqa, and is due to face Wagga Wagga Local Court on Friday.

Ms Raad is the widow of maths teacher turned Islamic State recruiter Muhammad Zahab, who convinced dozens of his relatives to join him in Syria.

That was before he was killed in an air strike in 2018, leaving behind his wife and four children.

Ms Raad and her children – two boys born in Australia and two girls born in Syria – spent three years in refugee camps in northeast Syria, before being brought back to New South Wales.

The 31-year-old was arrested as part of an investigation by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) involving officers from the AFP and NSW Police.

It will be alleged in court that the woman, who is now living in Young, travelled to Syria in early 2014 to join her husband, despite being aware of his involvement in Islamic State‘s efforts.

Mariam Raad is the widow of ISIS recruiter Muhammad Zahab, who was killed in an air strike in 2018. Picture: ABC

In a statement, the JCTT said “newly obtained evidence” had allegedly enabled them to charge the woman.

AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Sandra Booth said the JCTT‘s investigations into other individuals returning from Syria would be ongoing.

“Individuals will be brought before the courts when evidence supports allegations that returned individuals have committed offences in conflict areas,” Acting Asst Comm Booth said.

“The JCTT will continue to target criminal activity and does not target specific ideologies or beliefs.”

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton said the priority of the NSW JCTT is to protect the community.

“We have zero tolerance for Australians – or anyone – who seek to commit acts of violence or extremism, and those considering doing the wrong thing will come under our notice,” Asst Comm Walton said.

“Our investigators methodically gather information and evidence, conduct surveillance and work tirelessly to target criminal activities which pose a threat to the Australian community.”

Ms Raad was refused bail by NSW Police.