Janai Samarra Safar has been denied bail again by a Sydney court while facing terrorism-related charges linked to alleged Islamic State membership and travel to a declared conflict zone. The 32-year-old was arrested after returning to Australia from Syria and remains in custody as legal proceedings continue.
Safar faces allegations that she travelled to Syria and became involved with Islamic State between 2015 and 2019. Prosecutors allege she entered areas controlled by the organisation and took steps to become a member. The charges relate to membership of a terrorist organisation and entering or remaining in a declared area.
During the bail hearing, Safar’s lawyer Michael Ainsworth argued that she and her nine-year-old son had experienced severe trauma during their years in Syria and refugee camps. He presented psychological reports that he said showed she had suffered significant psychological injury and required urgent medical support.
The defence argued that Safar had spent more than seven years in extremely difficult conditions and that returning her to the community would allow her to access family support while preparing for a possible trial. Her lawyer also highlighted her close relationship with her son, who she communicates with through video calls while in custody.
Commonwealth prosecutors opposed bail, arguing the seriousness of the allegations meant the legal threshold for release had not been met. Prosecutors told the court there was evidence suggesting links to Islamic State ideology, including alleged communications and associations that they say are relevant to the case.
The court heard competing arguments about Safar’s circumstances, including claims about her experiences overseas and the prosecution’s concerns regarding the nature of the alleged offences. The judge ultimately found that exceptional circumstances required for bail had not been established.
Safar’s case has attracted significant attention as Australian authorities continue managing legal proceedings involving citizens who returned from areas previously controlled by Islamic State. Counter-terrorism agencies have been investigating individuals returning from Syria and Iraq for potential offences under Australian law.
The matter has been adjourned until September, when further court proceedings are expected. The allegations against Janai Safar have not been proven, and she remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.
