Australian detained by ISIS as a boy transferred to Iraq despite passport home
Yusuf Zahab was taken to ISIS as a boy. He was moved to Iraq just as his family secured his passport home.
Yusuf Zahab was 23 when US forces moved him from a Syrian prison to Iraq in February. Zahab's family was securing his passage home at that moment.
Zahab's parents took him to ISIS territory at age 12. Zahab is the only male the Australian government gave a passport to as part of a family effort to bring him home.
The US moved 5,704 detainees, including Zahab and 12 other Australians, to Iraq during a security crisis in north-eastern Syria. In Iraq, many now face trial on terror charges.
Two sources say Zahab was told he will not be charged in court. This is because he was a minor throughout the conflict and never took up arms.
A Human Rights Watch report says Iraq's legal system has a history of torture and illegal killings. If an Iraqi judge releases him, Zahab could get his passport and return to Australia.
- 23
- Zahab's current age
- 12
- Age taken to ISIS
- 5,704
- Total detainees transferred to Iraq
- 12
- Other Australians transferred
Why it mattersAn Australian's chance to rebuild his life and come home was blocked by a military move without proper legal steps. This raises questions about his rights and Australia's duty to help him.
AustraliaAustralia has refused to assist ISIS-linked citizens and said another detained Australian can "rot in jail", but Zahab's case shows young Australians remain trapped in a legal limbo abroad.
Corroborated bysmh.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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