ABC News Daily The secrecy surrounding the 'ISIS brides'
Feb 24, 2026
Adam Harvey, 7.30 reporter and former foreign correspondent who reported from Syrian camps, recalls reporting from Al-Hol and Baguz and speaking with Australians living in harsh conditions. He discusses secrecy around returns, past repatriations with few prosecutions, a foiled relocation attempt, passport and bureaucratic roles, and the political fallout and security controls shaping the debate.
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Australians Living In Al-Hol Called Their Area Australia Street
- Adam Harvey visited Al-Hol after Baguz and found dozens of Australians living in tents in an area they called Australia Street.
- Women and children there were traumatised, many had lost men who went to fight, and they desperately wanted to get home.
Women Claim Deception And Fear Reporting To Authorities
- Women in the camps complained of terrible conditions and ill children while avoiding detail to stay off Australian authorities' radar.
- Some claimed they were deceived into arriving (holiday or charity claims), while none openly said they went to fight.
Returns Happened Before But Prosecutions Were Rare
- Several Australians were returned previously: eight orphans under Morrison and later four women and 13 children under Albanese.
- Despite returns, prosecutions were rare; only Mariam Raad faced charges and received a good behaviour bond.