Will Australian Federal Police have a re-run of the Ben Roberts Smith arrest debacle?
Townsville Bureau
Four women, along with nine children and grandchildren, members of the so-called ISIS-bride cohort will arrive at an Australian airport on Thursday evening.
They are all Australian citizens and hold Australian passports. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said he was alerted as soon as the group booked tickets for flights to Australia.
“That was provided to us this morning, and we made it public this morning,” he said.
“The situation from the moment the individuals left the camp was obviously — it was clear they would be trying to leave Damascus.”
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said police would be waiting for the group.
“Some individuals will be arrested and charged,” Commissioner Barrett said.
“Some will face continued investigations when they arrive in Australia.
“And children who return in the cohort will be asked to undergo community integration programs, therapeutic support, and countering violent extremist programs.”
The million dollar question asked by supporters of former SASR member, Ben Roberts Smith VC, “Will the AFP arrange for Channel 9 and reporter Nick McKenzie to get a front seat and insider running when the women arrive by aircraft Thursday night?” asked a prominent veteran.
“The Channel 9 helicopter managed to find where Ben is living on the Gold Coast and hovered over the house for about 20 minutes after he was given bail.
“But apparently no laws apply to Channel 9 when they have been able to scapegoat Ben and the entire SASR with their very biased reporting and underhanded activities.
“How will Channel 9 treat these ISIS Muslim women who have been living among our enemies for years?
“The SASR fought hard against these people in Afghanistan but the media will probably treat these women as heroes.”
Ben Roberts Smith was charged on April 7 with alleged war crimes stemming from the Afghanistan campaign 15 years ago and has said he will vigorously defend the charges.
