Australian Islamic State group medic arrested on return home

[Lite Beer]

Australian Islamic State group medic arrested on return home

SYDNEY (AP) — An Australian nurse who says he was forced by Islamic State militants to work as a medic in Syria was arrested after returning home and faces potential terrorism-related charges.

Adam Brookman, 39, was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Friday night on a Victoria state warrant relating to his alleged involvement in the conflict in Syria, Australian Federal Police said in a statement.

He appeared from a police cell by video link in the Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, where a magistrate granted an application by the Melbourne Joint Counter Terrorism Team to extradite him to Victoria. He is to appear in a Melbourne court no later than Monday morning.

The court heard a warrant for Brookman's arrest was issued on Friday. Police did not detail the charges he could face.

Brookman did not speak during his brief appearance.

He surrendered to Turkish officials in Turkey on Tuesday. He voluntarily flew back to Australia with a police escort.

Brookman, a Muslim convert and father of five children who live in Melbourne, told Fairfax Media in May that he went to Syria last year to do humanitarian work for civilians caught in the war. He said he was innocent of any crime.

Brookman said he was forced to join Islamic State militants after being injured in an airstrike and taken to a hospital controlled by the group.

"After I recovered, they wouldn't let me leave," he told Fairfax.

He won the militants' trust by working as a medic and was able to escape to Turkey in December.

Brookman told Fairfax that he opposed the violent and extreme actions of the militants, including the beheading of their captives.

"Of course there will be an investigation. That is fine. Hopefully things don't look that bad," Brookman told Fairfax.

It is not clear whether Brookman was still in Syria on Dec. 4, when Australia made a presence in the Islamic State stronghold of al-Raqqa province in Syria a crime punishable by 10 years in prison. If charged, the onus would be on Brookman to prove he had a legitimate reason to be in the terrorist hotspot.

Supporting a terrorist organization is a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

-- (c) Associated Press 2015-07-25

[PeCeDe]

1, If he was there to give humanitarian aid, which NGO or Government sponsored him?

2, Why isn't such organization helping him now?

3, What manner were his injuries?

4, How did he get into Syria in the first place? Did he just walk across the border into one of the most dangerous places on earth with nothing but a backpack? No weapons, No medical supplies, No support... But expect to give relief to those suffering under IS?

Seems to me that we'll be seeing quite a few of his ilk returning with their tale between their legs expecting us to understand their "Minor Lapse" in judgement.

[Stan7444]

I have NO Sympothy for ANY person going to ISIS and then coming (or trying) back their or other Western countries. Their Passports should be terminated-permanently.

With that said, this Aussie guy is Innocent until proven guilty, especially since Aussie gov"t allowed him back into the country. Further, his story sounds credible and not everyone works for an NGO or other organization but want to help people in need. Look at the now beheaded foreigners some of which did not work with NGO but went to Syria out of humanitarian purposes.

Anyway, he will have his day in court to find the truth.

[PeCeDe]

While I am not Australian, I would certainly trust the Oz Gov't. to give him a fair trial. However I would expect those questions answered, and many more. The initial story, as reported, gives no reason for him to be there other than his own words, hardly credible evidence, either for or against. I suspect he has a long road to travel to prove his innocence, and I hope he has to fight, long and hard, because it's an obvious way for those who did/do fight for IS etc. to come back as free people only to poison others, or commit further crimes on their home soil.

Should he be found innocent of any crime, when in fact he is ISIS, his next move could well be to walk into a coffee shop in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, wherever, full of innocent people and commit suicide/murder taking heaven knows how many people with him.

Anyone going to countries like Syria, to truly do humanitarian work, should do so with their Governments backing or face very serious consequences when they try to return.

[twocatsmac]

While I am not Australian, I would certainly trust the Oz Gov't. to give him a fair trial. However I would expect those questions answered, and many more. The initial story, as reported, gives no reason for him to be there other than his own words, hardly credible evidence, either for or against. I suspect he has a long road to travel to prove his innocence, and I hope he has to fight, long and hard, because it's an obvious way for those who did/do fight for IS etc. to come back as free people only to poison others, or commit further crimes on their home soil.

Should he be found innocent of any crime, when in fact he is ISIS, his next move could well be to walk into a coffee shop in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, wherever, full of innocent people and commit suicide/murder taking heaven knows how many people with him.

Anyone going to countries like Syria, to truly do humanitarian work, should do so with their Governments backing or face very serious consequences when they try to return.

I agree with your first sentence, a fair trial no less.

Then shoot the bastard.

[cookee68]

I find it a bit iffy that he converts to Islam then decides to go and help out the sick, I don't buy it.

[shirtless]

Sounds like he got cold feet and decided to fabricate a story so he could return to his welfare check send him back to Syria

[simple1]

Sounds like he got cold feet and decided to fabricate a story so he could return to his welfare check send him back to Syria

If indeed it turns out he is a Daesh sympathiser / supporter why should government return such a person to Syria it's totally the wrong policy; he could commit or assist with horrific crimes against humanity.

Edited July 25, 2015 by simple1

[ABCer]

1, If he was there to give humanitarian aid, which NGO or Government sponsored him?

2, Why isn't such organization helping him now?

3, What manner were his injuries?

4, How did he get into Syria in the first place? Did he just walk across the border into one of the most dangerous places on earth with nothing but a backpack? No weapons, No medical supplies, No support... But expect to give relief to those suffering under IS?

Seems to me that we'll be seeing quite a few of his ilk returning with their tale between their legs expecting us to understand their "Minor Lapse" in judgement.

Legitimate questions, PeCeDe.

Australian Courts hear what they want to hear. Period.

This Muslim convert was not sent by any sponsors. No weapons but was he given any in Syria? (Proof?). No support (Proof?) What relief did he give and to who (Proof?).

I expect no Proofs from Syria. But: he converted out of his beliefs, he went there out of his beliefs.

However he didn't go there with nothing. I bet he had his conversion certificate with him signed by a local Mullah. Maybe even a recommendation letter?

I am an Australian. My opinion is - no jail term. Cancel passports and send the whole family out never to return. Yes, yes - wife and children and all their bloody relatives!

Edited July 26, 2015 by ABCer

[Soutpeel]

Hang him

[miscellaneous]

Quarter him.

[Cats4ever]

1, If he was there to give humanitarian aid, which NGO or Government sponsored him?

2, Why isn't such organization helping him now?

3, What manner were his injuries?

4, How did he get into Syria in the first place? Did he just walk across the border into one of the most dangerous places on earth with nothing but a backpack? No weapons, No medical supplies, No support... But expect to give relief to those suffering under IS?

Seems to me that we'll be seeing quite a few of his ilk returning with their tale between their legs expecting us to understand their "Minor Lapse" in judgement.

Legitimate questions, PeCeDe.

Australian Courts hear what they want to hear. Period.

This Muslim convert was not sent by any sponsors. No weapons but was he given any in Syria? (Proof?). No support (Proof?) What relief did he give and to who (Proof?).

I expect no Proofs from Syria. But: he converted out of his beliefs, he went there out of his beliefs.

However he didn't go there with nothing. I bet he had his conversion certificate with him signed by a local Mullah. Maybe even a recommendation letter?

I am an Australian. My opinion is - no jail term. Cancel passports and send the whole family out never to return. Yes, yes - wife and children and all their bloody relatives!

You obviously value your citizenship highly.

If he has broken laws, nail him. Citizenship is sacrosanct unless treason is proven.

[samran]

1, If he was there to give humanitarian aid, which NGO or Government sponsored him?

2, Why isn't such organization helping him now?

3, What manner were his injuries?

4, How did he get into Syria in the first place? Did he just walk across the border into one of the most dangerous places on earth with nothing but a backpack? No weapons, No medical supplies, No support... But expect to give relief to those suffering under IS?

Seems to me that we'll be seeing quite a few of his ilk returning with their tale between their legs expecting us to understand their "Minor Lapse" in judgement.

Legitimate questions, PeCeDe.

Australian Courts hear what they want to hear. Period.

This Muslim convert was not sent by any sponsors. No weapons but was he given any in Syria? (Proof?). No support (Proof?) What relief did he give and to who (Proof?).

I expect no Proofs from Syria. But: he converted out of his beliefs, he went there out of his beliefs.

However he didn't go there with nothing. I bet he had his conversion certificate with him signed by a local Mullah. Maybe even a recommendation letter?

I am an Australian. My opinion is - no jail term. Cancel passports and send the whole family out never to return. Yes, yes - wife and children and all their bloody relatives!

Rule of law and due process is what separates us from them. What you see as our greatest weakness is intact our greatest strength. Edited July 26, 2015 by samran

[simple1]

1, If he was there to give humanitarian aid, which NGO or Government sponsored him?

2, Why isn't such organization helping him now?

3, What manner were his injuries?

4, How did he get into Syria in the first place? Did he just walk across the border into one of the most dangerous places on earth with nothing but a backpack? No weapons, No medical supplies, No support... But expect to give relief to those suffering under IS?

Seems to me that we'll be seeing quite a few of his ilk returning with their tale between their legs expecting us to understand their "Minor Lapse" in judgement.

Legitimate questions, PeCeDe.

Australian Courts hear what they want to hear. Period.

This Muslim convert was not sent by any sponsors. No weapons but was he given any in Syria? (Proof?). No support (Proof?) What relief did he give and to who (Proof?).

I expect no Proofs from Syria. But: he converted out of his beliefs, he went there out of his beliefs.

However he didn't go there with nothing. I bet he had his conversion certificate with him signed by a local Mullah. Maybe even a recommendation letter?

I am an Australian. My opinion is - no jail term. Cancel passports and send the whole family out never to return. Yes, yes - wife and children and all their bloody relatives!

Rule of law and due process is what separates us from them. What you see as our greatest weakness is intact our greatest strength.

Thankfully some members of Cabinet put a stop to Abbott's attempts to wind back some aspects for rule of law and due process.

The guy has now been charged with terrorism offences.

Court documents outline one charge relates to Brookman knowingly providing support to Isis by undertaking guard duty and reconnaissance between April 2010 and August 2014.

http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jul/26/adam-brookman-alleged-isis-nurse-extradited-to-victoria

Edited July 26, 2015 by simple1

[EnglishJohn]

When these people start returning to the UK (and they will certainly be allowed back), our 'justice' will demand clear evidence that they engaged in terrorist activities. Of course there won't be any because all the witnesses were murdered and they wear their balaclavas all the time when on camera.

So they will be given 'a fair trial' using taxpayers money for their legal aid then allowed to walk because of lack of evidence.

It makes me sick : we should cancel the passports of anyone who goes to those places without prior approval from our government and never let them back in - but the 'European Court of Human Rights' won't let us do that.

[PeCeDe]

When these people start returning to the UK (and they will certainly be allowed back), our 'justice' will demand clear evidence that they engaged in terrorist activities. Of course there won't be any because all the witnesses were murdered and they wear their balaclavas all the time when on camera.

So they will be given 'a fair trial' using taxpayers money for their legal aid then allowed to walk because of lack of evidence.

It makes me sick : we should cancel the passports of anyone who goes to those places without prior approval from our government and never let them back in - but the 'European Court of Human Rights' won't let us do that.

Quite frankly EnglishJohn what you describe is one of the reasons I enjoy living here in LOS, I can no longer stand by and watch their abuses of our legal system, it's very bad for my blood pressure and peace of mind.

Even though being here has it restrictions and inconveniences, I cannot imagine some animal trying to return to these shores and being allowed to roam free causing whatever mayhem comes into their depraved minds.

[Doc46]

He's full of shit,,, Get rid of him, send him back to his mates they may not like him no more and finish him of,,,,

[ABCer]

1, If he was there to give humanitarian aid, which NGO or Government sponsored him?

2, Why isn't such organization helping him now?

3, What manner were his injuries?

4, How did he get into Syria in the first place? Did he just walk across the border into one of the most dangerous places on earth with nothing but a backpack? No weapons, No medical supplies, No support... But expect to give relief to those suffering under IS?

Seems to me that we'll be seeing quite a few of his ilk returning with their tale between their legs expecting us to understand their "Minor Lapse" in judgement.

Legitimate questions, PeCeDe.

Australian Courts hear what they want to hear. Period.

This Muslim convert was not sent by any sponsors. No weapons but was he given any in Syria? (Proof?). No support (Proof?) What relief did he give and to who (Proof?).

I expect no Proofs from Syria. But: he converted out of his beliefs, he went there out of his beliefs.

However he didn't go there with nothing. I bet he had his conversion certificate with him signed by a local Mullah. Maybe even a recommendation letter?

I am an Australian. My opinion is - no jail term. Cancel passports and send the whole family out never to return. Yes, yes - wife and children and all their bloody relatives!

You obviously value your citizenship highly.

If he has broken laws, nail him. Citizenship is sacrosanct unless treason is proven.

Yes I do.

And yes, I think it is proven. He went to an enemy country in a state of war with mine. Despite the Gov't warnings.

He and the likes of him are playing our rules against us.

"Sacrosanct" must work both ways or null and void.

Australia does not have the capacity to keep in detention all these hostile 'sacrosants'. They must be ejected.

I believe all Western countries must ban Islam, deport Muslims and never allow them in for settlement.

Not kill. Not keep in detention. Deport.

Western Civilization can live in harmony with all races, all Religions excluding Islam.

Then and only then there will be no terrorism inside and no wars outside of our countries. Isolate us from them and them from us.

[cookee68]

1, If he was there to give humanitarian aid, which NGO or Government sponsored him?

2, Why isn't such organization helping him now?

3, What manner were his injuries?

4, How did he get into Syria in the first place? Did he just walk across the border into one of the most dangerous places on earth with nothing but a backpack? No weapons, No medical supplies, No support... But expect to give relief to those suffering under IS?

Seems to me that we'll be seeing quite a few of his ilk returning with their tale between their legs expecting us to understand their "Minor Lapse" in judgement.

Legitimate questions, PeCeDe.

Australian Courts hear what they want to hear. Period.

This Muslim convert was not sent by any sponsors. No weapons but was he given any in Syria? (Proof?). No support (Proof?) What relief did he give and to who (Proof?).

I expect no Proofs from Syria. But: he converted out of his beliefs, he went there out of his beliefs.

However he didn't go there with nothing. I bet he had his conversion certificate with him signed by a local Mullah. Maybe even a recommendation letter?

I am an Australian. My opinion is - no jail term. Cancel passports and send the whole family out never to return. Yes, yes - wife and children and all their bloody relatives!

I suppose if you have to start somewhere

[harrry]

1, If he was there to give humanitarian aid, which NGO or Government sponsored him?

2, Why isn't such organization helping him now?

3, What manner were his injuries?

4, How did he get into Syria in the first place? Did he just walk across the border into one of the most dangerous places on earth with nothing but a backpack? No weapons, No medical supplies, No support... But expect to give relief to those suffering under IS?

Seems to me that we'll be seeing quite a few of his ilk returning with their tale between their legs expecting us to understand their "Minor Lapse" in judgement.

Legitimate questions, PeCeDe.

Australian Courts hear what they want to hear. Period.

This Muslim convert was not sent by any sponsors. No weapons but was he given any in Syria? (Proof?). No support (Proof?) What relief did he give and to who (Proof?).

I expect no Proofs from Syria. But: he converted out of his beliefs, he went there out of his beliefs.

However he didn't go there with nothing. I bet he had his conversion certificate with him signed by a local Mullah. Maybe even a recommendation letter?

I am an Australian. My opinion is - no jail term. Cancel passports and send the whole family out never to return. Yes, yes - wife and children and all their bloody relatives!

I suppose if you have to start somewhere

To the 7th generation?

[halloween]

Sounds like he got cold feet and decided to fabricate a story so he could return to his welfare check send him back to Syria

If indeed it turns out he is a Daesh sympathiser / supporter why should government return such a person to Syria it's totally the wrong policy; he could commit or assist with horrific crimes against humanity.

Or even be killed.

[Steely Dan]

When these people start returning to the UK (and they will certainly be allowed back), our 'justice' will demand clear evidence that they engaged in terrorist activities. Of course there won't be any because all the witnesses were murdered and they wear their balaclavas all the time when on camera.

So they will be given 'a fair trial' using taxpayers money for their legal aid then allowed to walk because of lack of evidence.

It makes me sick : we should cancel the passports of anyone who goes to those places without prior approval from our government and never let them back in - but the 'European Court of Human Rights' won't let us do that.

They are already returning and costing 25 million pounds a week just to monitor then, this is on top of all the other costs they inflict on the UK benefits system.

[ABCer]

When these people start returning to the UK (and they will certainly be allowed back), our 'justice' will demand clear evidence that they engaged in terrorist activities. Of course there won't be any because all the witnesses were murdered and they wear their balaclavas all the time when on camera.

So they will be given 'a fair trial' using taxpayers money for their legal aid then allowed to walk because of lack of evidence.

It makes me sick : we should cancel the passports of anyone who goes to those places without prior approval from our government and never let them back in - but the 'European Court of Human Rights' won't let us do that.

They are already returning and costing 25 million pounds a week just to monitor then, this is on top of all the other costs they inflict on the UK benefits system.

Does the concept "The worse it is - the better it is" mean anything to you?

When I hear that 20 innocent victims were killed by Jihadis - I want to see more.

When I see a picture of a Jihadi with somebody's chopped off head - I want to see more.

NO! Not because I am insensitive bloodthirsty and hateful son of a bitch.

But because I want to see a day when all Muslims are sent out to their origins, Islam is banned in the West and PC Libs are sent to IS to preach their ideas there.

P.S. A friend of mine said that not only I will be misunderstood here on TV, but my Internet, electricity and sewerage are due for disconnection.

To this I say: - "The day when we are not allowed to freely express and discuss any ideas is the first day of the Fall of the Western Civilization".

P.P.S. May I point out to any reader that I do not call for killing anybody? Not even chop off anybody's right hand!

Edited July 27, 2015 by ABCer