16 Feb 2021

War of words between Ardern, Morrison over detained IS suspect

From Checkpoint, 5:07 pm on 16 February 2021

A war of words has erupted between Australia and New Zealand over a suspected Islamic State woman arrested today at the Syrian border.

The woman had dual New Zealand and Australian citizenship, but her Australian citizenship was revoked, meaning she may now be deported here along with her two children.

The 26-year old was arrested by Turkish authorities, who describe her as an Islamic State terrorist and say she was trying to illegally enter Turkey from Syria. Jacinda Ardern says Australia has abdicated its responsibilities for the woman.

Gill Bonnett reports.