Two Australian women who returned to Melbourne from Syria have been charged with crimes against humanity, the Australian Federal Police announced on May 8, 2026. The charges relate to the alleged treatment of a Yazidi woman who was held captive in their home in Syria.
The women, whose identities have not been publicly released, are accused of holding the Yazidi woman as a slave and subjecting her to cruel treatment. The case is believed to be the first time Australian women have been charged with crimes against humanity for actions related to the Islamic State group.
According to the AFP, the investigation involved extensive cooperation with international partners, including the United States and Iraqi authorities. The charges include crimes against humanity, slavery, and torture.
The Yazidi woman, who has not been named, was rescued in 2019 and has provided testimony to Australian authorities. The case highlights the ongoing legal efforts to hold ISIS members accountable for atrocities against the Yazidi community.
