Terror Trial Against IS Returnee Maria G.

The Salzburg public prosecutor's office has filed charges against IS returnee Maria G. She is accused of the crimes of a terrorist organization and a criminal organization after returning to Austria in March 2025. The Salzburg woman, who converted to Islam in December 2013, is said to have participated in the terrorist organization "Islamic State" (IS) by deciding to go to Syria, inspired by IS propaganda films.

Journey to Syria at the Age of 17

At the age of 17, Maria G. left her home in Salzburg and went to Syria in 2014, where she joined IS. She gave birth to two children, and her husband - an IS fighter - was killed in combat. In 2019, she was captured, and from September 2020, she was in the Roj internment camp in northern Syria with her sons. According to its own statements, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered to bring back the minor sons since 2019. The mother refused. The Federal Administrative Court finally ordered the return of Maria G. and her two sons on October 10, 2024. On March 1, 2025, she was brought back to Austria with the children.

Consciously Strengthened Husbands' Combat Morale

According to the indictment, the Salzburg woman initially informed herself about the situation in Syria in various chat forums and met an IS fighter from Germany, whom she then married via Skype according to Muslim rites. On June 28, 2014, she traveled to Syria. There, the then 17-year-old lived in various areas controlled by IS. After divorcing her first husband, she married another wounded IS fighter according to Muslim rites, and the two children are from this marriage. The family was financially supported and provided with food by IS.

"The Salzburg public prosecutor's office accuses the woman of consciously strengthening her husbands' combat morale, as well as their affiliation and loyalty to IS through her presence. In addition, she knowingly promoted the terrorist crimes of IS with the aim of establishing a radical Islamic theocracy," the statement said.

Juvenile Court Responsible for Criminal Cases

The accused has no prior criminal record. According to the prosecution, she is largely confessing but denies having known about the classification of IS as a terrorist organization at the time of her departure. Due to the sentencing range of one to ten years imprisonment, the case is being tried before a juvenile court. Since the woman was between 17 and 22 years old during the period of the alleged offenses, she must answer before a juvenile court for criminal cases at the Regional Court of Salzburg. A trial date has not yet been set.

FPÖ Demands Revocation of Citizenship and Deportation

Criticism of the Austrian authorities' handling of the Maria G. case came from the FPÖ. National Council member Michael Schnedlitz described it in a statement on Monday as "completely absurd (...) that Austrians who have joined the 'Islamic State' or another Islamist terrorist group are brought back to be tried in Austria." The procedure is "endangering security." In the event of a final conviction, "Austrian citizenship must also be revoked and then deported to the respective country," Schnedlitz demanded, apparently with a view to Syria, where Maria G. had lived for years.

Another IS Returnee Already Convicted

Along with Maria G., former Viennese IS supporter Evelyn T. was also brought back to Austria. While Maria G. remained at liberty, Evelyn T. was taken into pre-trial detention at that time. The criminal proceedings against Evelyn T. have now been concluded with finality. The 26-year-old was sentenced in Vienna to two years of probation for terrorist association and criminal organization and was subsequently released. Since the prosecution accepted the verdict, "she is now adjusting to her new life," her lawyer Anna Mair said at the time to APA. Evelyn T. has numerous appointments, including with the probation assistance association Neustart. She must also comply with the court-imposed instructions to undergo psychotherapy and a deradicalization program.

(APA/Red)

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