Australian families of IS fighters have been repatriated from Syria

Published

1 year ago

October 31, 2022

Costa Haritos

Four women and 13 children have touched down in Australia after fleeing war-torn Syria

The families of those who travelled to fight for Islamic State have been repatriated to Australia.

Around 60 Australians are believed to have landed in New South Wales, after spending years in Syrian detention camps.

The women and children are related to either dead or jailed Islamic State militants.

They had been living in the al-Hol and Roj detention centres in Syria, which the United Nations had previously described as having torturous conditions.

The women reportedly agreed to terrorism control mechanisms upon their return to Australia.

It follows criticism from Australia’s Shadow Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews, who said the scheme was “inexcusable”.

“I am concerned about what will be put in place to make sure that these women and children are not in a position that they will cause any risk at all to Australian people,” she said.

The United Nations believes over 300,000 civilians have been killed in the conflict since 2011. This figure equates to around 1.5 per cent of Syria’s pre-war population.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the repatriation mission followed strict protocols but he did not provide any additional information.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said the government had considered a “security, community and welfare factors”, before any decisions were made.

“The decision to repatriate these women and their children was informed by individual assessments following detailed work by national security agencies.”
CLARE O’NEIL, AUSTRALIA’s HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER

The U.S, Italy, and the Netherlands are among other nations who have offered similar programs.

Australia had previously repatriated its citizens from Syria in 2019 under then Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Sophie McNeill from Human Rights Watch welcomed the government’s decision.

“For years, the Australian government had abandoned its nationals to horrific conditions in locked camps in northeast Syria where they were at risk to life and limb and lacked sufficient food, clean water, medical care and education,”
SOPHIE MCNEILL, HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

Human Rights Watch said the Australian Government should also provide rehabilitation for all returnees, and bring home other Australians in similar conditions.

Ukraine’s bold counteroffensive dreams shattered: Security official

Published

4 mins ago

December 12, 2023

ticker NEWS

The ambitious hopes of a Ukrainian counteroffensive have failed to materialize as anticipated, according to a high-ranking security official.

The nation had been eagerly anticipating a resurgence in their military operations to reclaim lost territories, but the recent turn of events has cast a shadow of uncertainty.

The security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that despite meticulous planning and intense preparations, the counteroffensive has encountered unforeseen challenges, pushing back the timeline for its execution.

This setback has left Ukrainian citizens anxious, hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict that has plagued their country for far too long.

The disappointment in Ukraine’s counteroffensive ambitions raises crucial questions about the nation’s military strategy, the level of external support, and the overall stability of the region.

The international community watches with bated breath as Ukraine navigates this critical juncture, wondering what the future holds for this war-torn nation.

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Zara pulls ad over Gaza boycott uproar

Published

10 mins ago

December 12, 2023

ticker NEWS

Fashion giant Zara has withdrawn one of its advertisements from the front page of its website after facing calls for a boycott over its alleged insensitivity to the situation in Gaza.

The controversy erupted when Zara featured an ad showcasing its latest collection on its website’s front page, coinciding with a period of heightened tensions in the Gaza Strip. Critics argued that the timing was inappropriate, given the ongoing conflict and suffering in the region.

Social media campaigns and online petitions quickly gained traction, with thousands of people expressing their disapproval and calling for a boycott of Zara products. The hashtag #BoycottZara trended on various platforms, putting immense pressure on the clothing retailer.

In response, Zara issued a statement announcing the removal of the controversial ad. The company expressed regret over any offense caused and reaffirmed its commitment to corporate responsibility.

However, this incident has sparked a broader debate about the intersection of fashion and political sensitivity in an increasingly interconnected world.

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BTS stars take a break to serve military time

Published

14 mins ago

December 12, 2023

ticker NEWS

The world-renowned South Korean megaband BTS has announced an indefinite hiatus, with all seven members set to fulfil their mandatory military service obligations.

The news has sent shockwaves through the global entertainment industry and left fans wondering what the future holds for the chart-topping group.

This decision comes after the septet’s unprecedented rise to fame, conquering international music charts, and amassing a dedicated fan base known as the ARMY.

The group’s management agency, Big Hit Entertainment, released a statement confirming that the hiatus is aimed at allowing each member to complete their military service without interruption. This move is seen as a testament to their commitment to fulfilling their civic duties despite their immense success.

While BTS fans are undoubtedly disappointed by the hiatus, it raises intriguing questions about the group’s future. Will their time away from the spotlight allow them to explore new musical directions?