Some members of cohort returning to Australia will be arrested, AFP confirms

Barrett said this would be based on evidence that researchers have been collecting for more than a decade.

“Some individuals will be arrested and charged. Some will face further investigation when they arrive in Australia,” she said today.

“That evidence and information was intended to determine whether Australians who traveled to Syria may have committed Commonwealth crimes, including terrorist offenses, such as entering or remaining in designated areas, and crimes against humanity, such as engaging in the slave trade.”

The group consists of four women and nine children, with Barret confirming that the children would receive support.

“Children returning to the cohort will be asked to undergo community integration programs, therapeutic support and countering violent extremist programs.

Burke issued a temporary ban on one person who was part of the group returning to Australia, while the rest of the group was forced to return to a detention camp in Syria due to unspecified procedural issues.

The government offered no support at the time, and in a statement Burke said their position had not changed, warning the cohort that they could face legal consequences upon their return.

“The government has not and will not provide any assistance to this group of four women and nine children,” he said.

“These are people who made the horrific choice to join a dangerous terrorist organization and place their children in an unspeakable situation.

“As we have said many times, any members of this cohort who have committed crimes can expect to face the full force of the law.”

Speaking to the media, he doubled down on his criticism of the group.

“They have made a disgusting, shameful decision. “If any of these individuals find their way back to Australia and have committed crimes, they can expect to face the full force of the law,” he said.

While Burke said he did not support the group’s return, he admitted the government’s hands were tied.

“There are very serious limits to what can be done to prevent a citizen of a country from returning to his country,” he said.

ASIO director general Mike Burgess said there was no cause for immediate alarm about the security risks of their return, but he was adamant they would be monitored once they arrived.

“It is up to them what they do when they get here, and if they start to show signs of concern, we and the police, through the joint counter-terrorism teams, will take action,” Burgess said.

“But I’m not immediately concerned about their return, but they will attract our attention, as you expect.”

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