Australia has banned one of its citizens, who has alleged links to the militant Islamic State (IS) group, from returning home from a detention camp in Syria. The individual, part of a group of 34 Australian women and children, was issued a temporary exclusion order by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, citing security concerns. The group was attempting to leave Syria but was turned back by authorities due to procedural issues.
The Australian government has stated it will not assist with repatriation efforts, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasizing that those who aligned themselves with IS’s ideology shouldn’t expect support. The decision has sparked controversy, particularly given the presence of children in the group. Australia has previously repatriated citizens from Syrian camps, but this latest case involves a citizen deemed a security risk.
