Australia Faces Controversy Over Repatriation of IS-Linked Citizens

Australia will not repatriate 34 women and children from Syria, with alleged ties to Islamic State. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated a lack of support for those who joined the caliphate. Legal complexities and security concerns dominate the issue, amid international repatriation efforts for IS affiliates.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the Australian government will not repatriate 34 women and children from Syria who allegedly have ties to the militant Islamic State group. The group, from 11 families, was turned back to the Roj detention camp due to procedural issues, after an initial plan to return them to Australia.

Albanese emphasized that the government will not support individuals who joined IS's efforts to establish a caliphate, adding that those who return to Australia without government's help might face legal consequences. Opposition leader Angus Taylor questioned whether Albanese's government would implement temporary exclusion orders to bar high-risk citizens from returning.

This refusal comes despite international charity appeals and previous Australian repatriations. The complex legal landscape and national security concerns make the repatriation of IS-linked citizens contentious, as countries worldwide grapple with similar challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)