Prime Minister Tony Abbott has ruled out any leniency for returning jihadists following reports that three of its nationals suspected of fighting with Islamic State were in secret negotiations with Canberra to come home.
The Australian newspaper said the three had approached authorities via intermediaries or family members, but that the talks were stalled over what punishment they would face and fears of the risk they might pose if they were reissued passports and allowed to return.
The news has sparked a fierce debate in Australia about whether or not to allow those who have left the country to fight with ISIS or other groups to return. The public and the government appear to be in lockstep in their opposition to the idea.
A lawyer representing one of the three Australian men told Fairfax radio that his client, an Australian-born convert to Islam, was prepared to face the full force of the law and wanted to use his experience to discourage would-be jihadists from joining the terror group.
Rob Stary said if he were capable of rehabilitation, "then we should utilise him, we should at least engage in the discussion, but the shutters have been put up by the (Australian Federal Police)".
Oh he wants to use his experience to counsel would-be-jihadists against joining ISIL, does he?
How do we know he's not a Trojan Horse and instead is instructed to recruit fresh meat?
