Counter-terrorism officers have charged a woman from Melbourne's south-east after she allegedly befriended and supported a person in their bid to fight for the Islamic State terrorist organisation.
In a statement, the AFP and Victoria Police alleged the 22-year-old Hallam woman formed an online association with an Australian male fighter and member of Islamic State in Syria to offer her support.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) also alleged she "encouraged and attempted to facilitate the travel of a person seeking to fight with Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq in 2016".
The statement said officers had not identified any current or impending threat to the community.
Hadashah Sa'adat Khan appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday afternoon charged with the following offences:
- Performing services for a person who is intending to enter a foreign country to engage in hostile activity
- Recruiting a person to participate in the activities of a terrorist organisation
- Associating with a terrorist organisation
The Melbourne Magistrates' Court heard that the AFP had acquired several electronic devices and that she was arrested with the assistance of digital forensics.
Ms Khan smiled as she entered the court before covering her mouth with her black hijab and sitting in silence for the rest of the hearing.
Her lawyer argued Ms Khan had never been in custody before and was at risk given her young age.
Magistrate Donna Bakos agreed that she would be "vulnerable" in custody due to her age, halal dietary requirements and her wearing of a hijab.
Ms Khan did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody after a brief court appearance.
She will will return to court for a committal mention on June 16.
The maximum penalty associated with the offences includes life imprisonment.
