On terror charges

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Maria G. lives in a camp like this in northern Syria with her children.

(Bild: REUTERS)

The "Krone" reported: The Federal Administrative Court has ordered the return of Maria G. together with her two children. The woman from Hallein had joined "IS" in 2014 and traveled to Syria to do so. If she returns, she will face criminal proceedings under the terrorism paragraph.

Maria G. from Hallein had become radicalized at a young age. At the age of 17, she cut all ties and traveled to Syria - to join the so-called "Islamic State". That was ten years ago. For a long time, she was on the Federal Criminal Police Office's wanted list on suspicion of supporting a terrorist organization.

For a long time, the Foreign Ministry therefore refused to bring her back. Only the two children, who were born of a marriage to an IS terrorist, wanted to be returned.

The parents have been fighting for the return of their daughter and children for a very long time. They are delighted with the decision.

Anwältin Doris Hawelka

But neither the family nor Maria G. herself wanted this - if they did, then only together. G. and her sons have been in a detention camp in northern Syria for years.

Ministry could fight decision
Now there is a new development due to a decision by the Federal Administrative Court: This ordered the joint repatriation. Lawyer Doris Hawelka explains: "As the woman is in detention, she cannot return on her own. The federal government is therefore legally obliged to help and bring her back."

She is also aware that she will have to appear before the criminal court if she returns - criminal proceedings are still pending against her. "She is aware of this and will face it," emphasizes Hawelka. The parents are "delighted" after years of fighting.

But: a return is only possible once the decision is legally binding. And the Foreign Ministry could still appeal and take the matter to a supreme court