MELBOURNE, Australia — A 34-year-old Australian woman facing terrorism charges appeared in court Monday as prosecutors detailed allegations that she supported violent extremism, tried to radicalize her children, and encouraged others to join her in Syria.
Defense attorney Peter Morrissey told the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that his client, Rayann El Houli, has completely changed her stance on terrorism.
“She renounces ISIS and violent jihad,” Morrissey said, using an acronym for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. “She wants nothing to do with it: not now directly or indirectly. Not in the future. Not for herself. Not for the people she loves and specifically not for the children.”
El Houli is seeking bail while facing charges for allegedly joining a terrorist organization and traveling to Raqqa, Syria, which served as the Islamic State’s headquarters more than ten years ago.
Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan described the prosecution’s allegations during the hearing, stating that El Houli journeyed to Syria sometime between 2013 and 2014 with plans to join IS militants.
“The accused expressed radicalized views while in Syria, including support for terrorist acts. She supported acts of martyrdom whilst in Syria. She repeatedly expressed views that supported the killing or serious injury of non-believers,” Hannan said.
According to the magistrate, El Houli attempted to radicalize her children and encouraged Australians to travel to Syria to embrace extremist beliefs and lifestyle choices.
The magistrate noted that El Houli departed Raqqa in 2019 “when the caliphate was defeated and not as a result of her changing views.”
The court postponed the bail hearing to a future date yet to be determined.
Both charges carry maximum penalties of ten years imprisonment. Australian law requires exceptional circumstances for individuals facing terrorism allegations to receive bail.
Hannan indicated she wants more information about how El Houli fled from the al-Hol displacement camp in eastern Syria and was transported illegally to Lebanon.
El Houli returned to Australia from Lebanon in the previous year and was taken into custody in Melbourne last week.
Three additional women connected to IS who recently returned to Australia have been charged with slavery and terrorism violations upon arrival and are currently detained, while others remain under police investigation.
