Australians held in Iraq over ISIS connections may face death penalty

Iraqi security forces lead suspected ISIS members for questioning after they were transferred from Syria to Iraq, at al-Karkh Central Prison in Baghdad, Iraq. Photo: Hadi Mizban/AP Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – 13 Australian men and boys detained in Iraqi prisons over alleged connections to ISIS could potentially face trial and the death penalty by hanging. Between January and February 2026, the US military transferred approximately 5,700 detainees, including around 2,200 foreigners from 65 different countries, from prisons in northeast Syria to al-Karkh Central Prison near Baghdad due to increasing instability in Syria. The detainees transferred from northeastern Syria to Iraqi custody earlier this year included the 13 Australian men and boys. After completing their investigations, Iraqi authorities are proceeding with charges under extensive anti-terrorism legislation that carries the death sentence. The Australian federal government has stated that it will not engage in the repatriation of the detainees and has refused to intervene or assist in their return. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has denounced the transfer, claiming that Australia is outsourcing its duties rather than pursuing its nationals domestically. They have also warned of possible torture-extracted confessions, unjust trials, and execution. There is disagreement among the public and community over the issue. Human rights supporters say that Australia should bring its nationals back to stand prosecution under domestic law, while others maintain that individuals who travel overseas must deal with the laws and legal systems of the host nation.