MELBOURNE, Australia — An Australian woman facing charges for allegedly joining the Islamic State expressed support for terrorist acts and the killing of non‑believers, sought to radicalise her children, and recruited others to travel to Syria, according to court filings on Monday.
Rayann El Houli’s defense attorney, Peter Morrissey, indicated that expert testimony would be presented to demonstrate that her stance has since changed.
Morrissey added that she “renounces ISIS and violent jihad,” stressing that she has no intention of engaging with it—neither now nor in the future, and neither for herself nor for her loved ones, especially her children.
At 34, El Houli applied for bail in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on charges that she joined a terrorist organization and remained in Raqqa, Syria, more than ten years ago, when it served as the self‑proclaimed caliphate of the Islamic State.
Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan presented the prosecution’s evidence summary, indicating that El Houli wanted Morrissey to focus on these allegations during the bail hearing.
She is alleged to have traveled to Syria between 2013 and 2014 with the intent of joining IS fighters.
Hannan said the accused expressed radicalized views in Syria, including support for terrorist attacks and acts of martyrdom, and repeatedly advocated for the killing or serious injury of non‑believers.
She attempted to indoctrinate her children and encouraged Australians to travel to Syria to adopt an extremist lifestyle based on IS ideology, Hannan said.
El Houli departed Raqqa in 2019, the magistrate noted, stating that this was due to the defeat of the caliphate rather than a change in her views.
The bail application was adjourned, with a new date to be scheduled later.
Each charge against El Houli carries a potential prison term of up to ten years, and individuals charged with terrorism offenses may be released on bail only under exceptional circumstances.
Hannan said she wished to hear details of how El Houli escaped from the al‑Hol camp for displaced persons in eastern Syria and was subsequently smuggled into Lebanon.
Three other women, also linked to IS and recently returned to Australia, have been charged with slavery and terrorism offenses and remain in custody, while additional individuals are still under police investigation.
