'Strong' reason behind 'ISIS bride' rejection of group

A mother, identified as Zeinab Ahmad, has rejected the extremist ideology of ISIS after giving birth to her daughter in a Syrian refugee camp, according to a court hearing. Ahmad, 31, was recently arrested and charged with slavery offenses after returning to Australia with family members of former ISIS fighters in May. She sought bail in the Victorian Supreme Court on Thursday, asserting she poses no risk to the community.

Her barrister, Julie Condon KC, presented evidence from psychiatrist Rajan Darjee demonstrating Ahmad's opposition to extremist ideology. Darjee stated that Ahmad, who lived in Syria with her family from 2015 to 2017, posted messages on social media advocating violence against non-believers and the destruction of the US and its allies during that time.

However, Darjee explained that these beliefs have since changed following the fall of ISIS and Ahmad's daughter's birth in 2019 at the Al-Hawl refugee camp. Ahmad's barrister noted she was only concerned about her daughter's safety and wanted her to have colorful tents. Ahmad's story began when she moved to Syria with her family and first husband in 2015.

Her father, Mohammad, purchased a teenage girl as a slave for $10,000 in 2017 and allegedly subjected her to severe abuse, including rape and beatings. Ahmad reportedly witnessed these events and even had to order the girl around the house. While living in ISIS-controlled territory, Ahmad's mental health reportedly deteriorated, and Dr. Darjee suggested her beliefs shifted following the fall of ISIS and the birth of her daughter.

Ahmad is not accused of directly assaulting the girl but has been charged with slavery offenses. The court heard that Ahmad described her time in Syria as "11 years of hell" and has since rejected extremist ideology. She has also been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Ahmad's bail application was initially denied in June when her mother, Kawsar, was granted conditional release for her own slavery charges. The court hearing is set to continue.