Arabic version: المدعون يسعون لرفض الإفراج بكفالة عن الزوجة المزعومة لداعش

Prosecutors are arguing against bail for Zeinab Ahmad, a woman facing charges of enslavement and the use of a slave. Ahmad, 31, is accused of participating in the mistreatment of a Yazidi teenager who was allegedly enslaved by her family in Syria. According to ABC News, the bail hearing took place in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, where Detective Senior Constable Marc Clendenning emphasized the risk to safety if Ahmad were released.

The court heard that Ahmad moved to Syria with her family in 2015 to support Islamic State. In 2017, her father reportedly purchased a Yazidi teenager for $10,000 to use as a slave. The victim suffered severe mistreatment, including sexual and physical assault, while living in the Ahmad household.

During the hearing, it was noted that while Ahmad did not physically harm the victim, she treated her “very badly” and forced her to perform housework. Ahmad’s defense attorney argued that her movements were restricted under Islamic State rule, suggesting that she may not have had full agency in her actions.

Clendenning also highlighted Ahmad’s history of entering multiple marriages with Islamic State-linked men and her continued support for the group on social media. He expressed serious concerns that releasing her on bail could endanger others, stating that no conditions could sufficiently mitigate this risk.

The hearing included a letter from a member of the Yazidi community, emphasizing the fear that Ahmad’s release would instill in both the specific victim and the broader community. The two-day hearing is set to continue tomorrow as the court deliberates on the bail request.