• Three women linked to Islamic State were arrested after returning to Australia from Syria.
• The women face severe charges, including slavery and membership in a terrorist organization.
• Nine children accompanied the women as part of a larger group returning from a Syrian detention camp.
• The Australian government is monitoring the returnees due to safety concerns.
• Debate intensifies over the responsibility of the government in handling repatriated citizens.

A group of three Australian women linked to the Islamic State (IS) was arrested on Thursday upon their return from Syria, where they had spent years in a detention camp. Among those arrested are Kawsar Abbas, 53, and her daughter Zeinab Ahmed, 31, who are both accused of keeping a female slave during their time in Syria. They were met by authorities immediately after landing in Melbourne as part of a larger group of 13, which includes nine children, according to BBC.

The specific charges against Abbas include four counts of crimes against humanity related to the alleged purchase and keeping of a slave for US$10,000. Her daughter Ahmed also faces similar charges. Another woman, Janai Safar, 32, was arrested in Sydney, facing charges of entering a declared conflict zone and being a member of a terrorist organization. These charges can lead to substantial prison sentences, as reported by India Times and BBC.

The Australian authorities have placed a priority on community safety, emphasizing the need to monitor these cases. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke remarked on the horrific choices made by these women, reinforcing that those who have committed crimes will face legal action. Children returning with the women are expected to undergo programs designed to counter violent extremism, highlighting a focus on their welfare amid the controversy surrounding their parents’ actions, according to South China Morning Post and India Times.

The government's handling of the repatriation has reignited public debate over the return of Australian citizens linked to extremist groups. As discussions unfold, authorities continue to ensure that returning individuals will be subject to scrutiny to prevent any threats to national security. Australia previously repatriated smaller groups linked to IS, with about 21 citizens still believed to be in Syria's al-Roj camp, according to various sources including BBC and South China Morning Post.