Electrician jailed for extremism stays under court restrictions
Haisem Zahab served nine years in prison for helping Islamic State. He remains under restrictions until March 2027.
Federal Court Justice Robert Bromwich ordered a control order on Haisem Zahab. Zahab is a young electrician who served nine years for helping Islamic State.
On 9 July, he removed his ankle monitor. But he still has restrictions on travel, internet use and contacts until 22 March 2027.
Zahab was arrested in February 2017 after an 18-month investigation. While working from his Young home, Zahab researched rocket guidance.
He also developed a device to warn of incoming laser-guided weapons. He pleaded guilty to supporting Islamic State.
Justice Bromwich said Zahab poses a real and unacceptable risk of going back to extremism online. This is true even with prison programs and family support.
- 28 February 2017
- Arrest date
- 27 March 2026
- Released
- 22 March 2027
- Control order expires
Why it mattersThis case shows how courts balance rehabilitation with ongoing safety concerns in terrorism cases.
AustraliaAustralian counterterrorism law applies these controls to released prisoners deemed at risk of re-engagement with violent extremism.
