Rayann El Houli Seeks Bail on 2 Terror Charges as Lawyer Says She Renounces ISIS

12 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 1

Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard Rayann El Houli, 34, is seeking bail after her lawyer said she now rejects ISIS and violent jihad and will present expert evidence that her views have changed.
Prosecutors allege she traveled to Syria in 2013-2014 to join Islamic State, supported terrorist acts and killing non-believers, tried to indoctrinate her children, and recruited others in Australia to go to Syria.
Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan said El Houli left Raqqa in 2019 only after the caliphate’s defeat, not because of changed beliefs, and asked for details of how she escaped al-Hol camp and was smuggled into Lebanon.
Each of the 2 charges carries up to 10 years in prison, and Australian law allows bail in terrorism cases only in exceptional circumstances.
El Houli returned from Lebanon last year and was arrested in Melbourne last week; three other recently returned Australian women linked to IS also remain in custody on slavery and terrorism charges.

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