‘ISIS bride’ accused of trying to indoctrinate children into terrorism before return to Australia

A so-called ISIS bride tried to indoctrinate her own children into radical views and encouraged other Australians to travel to Syria but has since renounced violent jihad, a court has heard.

However, Rayann El Houli, 34, has not completed any anti-terror programs in the eight months she has been back in Australia, because it was “a bit much” for her, Melbourne Magistrates’ Court was told.

El Houli, of Broadmeadows in Melbourne’s north, appeared in court on Monday charged with terrorism offences.

She is accused of travelling to Syria and entering or remaining in declared areas, and being a member of a terrorist organisation. Police oppose her bid for bail.

Defence barrister Peter Morrissey, SC, said his client returned to Australia knowing she might be charged, but she has renounced ISIS and violent jihad, and wants nothing to do with them directly or indirectly for herself or those she loves.

Morrissey said El Houli preferred to dress in traditional Muslim attire but came to court on Monday without it on as an “act of good faith” to allow the magistrate to see her “face to face”.

“She’s prepared to submit to the court in that way. To be seen, to be recognised,” Morrissey said.

El Houli had appeared in court for a filing hearing on Thursday wearing a niqab, a full-face covering with only her eyes visible.

The court heard the allegations in the police summary included that the 34-year-old intentionally travelled to Syria to join Islamic State and accept the benefits of being a member.

Police allege that while she was there, she married a number of members and expressed radicalised views and support for terrorist acts including martyrdom.

Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan said El Houli was also accused of expressing support for the killing of non-believers, sought to indoctrinate her children in radical views, and tried to get other Australians to go to Syria to follow ISIS.

El Houli later left Raqqa, in Syria, when the caliphate was defeated, “not as a result of changing views”, the court heard.

Hannan questioned why El Houli had not participated in anti-terrorism programs since returning to Australia, highlighting there was a “void” of evidence regarding what happened while the accused was in a camp abroad.

Hannan also said there was no evidence about how El Houli escaped the camp and was smuggled out of Syria, or who helped and paid for this.

“There would need to be … some evidence in that regard because based on what I’ve read from the summary, the views expressed in the charges are extremely concerning,” the chief magistrate said.

“Terrorism