Australians accused of involvement with IS look set to face Iraqi trial

A dozen Australians are facing possible trial in Iraq for alleged involvement with the Islamic State (IS). Iraqi authorities recently finished interrogating over 5,700 prisoners transferred from Syria. The Supreme Judicial Council stated that the remaining steps are the defendants' referral to the trial court, based on the evidence and facts of their cases.

Dr. Tareq Kamleh, a Perth-born pediatrician, is believed to be among the group, according to Iraqi authorities, despite his denial of pledging allegiance to IS. Another individual possibly in the group is Yusuf Zahab, who was taken to Syria at age 12. Iraqi authorities have identified several highly dangerous individuals, including first-tier leaders within the terrorist groups, who held leadership, security, religious, military, media, or other roles.

The prisoners come from 67 different countries, with 3,497 from Syria and 474 from Iraq. Iraqi authorities uncovered evidence of crimes against the Yazidi community, with six defendants identified for their involvement in the enslavement of Yazidi women. Six defendants were released due to insufficient evidence, including one Finnish national, one American citizen, and seven Iraqis. Another 457 Syrians will also be released for lack of evidence.