A Melbourne court heard on Monday from a defence lawyer representing Zeinab Ahmad, a 31-year-old woman charged with crimes against humanity linked to her alleged association with ISIS. Ahmad appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court seeking bail after being detained upon her arrival in Australia on May 7, when she was part of a group of women and children connected to the terrorist organization.

Police opposed the bail application, citing Ahmad’s prior alleged open support of ISIS and maintained that she had not explicitly renounced her affiliation with the group. They argued that her past conduct posed a risk and justified continued custody.

In response, defence barrister Grace Morgan asserted that Ahmad no longer supports ISIS, describing her client’s experience in Syria as “11 years of hell” under a “violent, controlling and oppressive” regime. Morgan emphasized that Ahmad rejects Islamic extremism and harbours significant anger toward both the organization and the men who enforced its harsh rules upon her.

Ahmad is accused of involvement in the retention of a sex slave during her time in the ISIS-controlled territory. The court proceedings to determine the outcome of her bail application are ongoing.