HRW says 13 Australians held in Iraq face potential execution over IS links

October 5, 2026 at 09:00 AM1 min

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Human Rights Watch accused Australia of outsourcing its responsibility for 13 citizens held in Iraqi jails on suspicion of Islamic State links. The group warned the Australians face inhumane treatment and potential execution. Iraqi authorities called for greater support as the nation deals with the burden of cases.

Key Facts

13 Australians are among almost 5,700 men and boys transferred from Syria to Iraq earlier this year.
Human Rights Watch accused the Albanese government of outsourcing its responsibilities regarding the detained Australians.
The Australians are held on suspicion of links to the Islamic State group and face inhumane treatment and potential execution.
Iraqi authorities have called for greater support as the nation deals with the burden of cases.

Detention and Transfer

The 13 Australians were among almost 5,700 men and boys transferred to Iraq from Syria earlier this year. They are being held in Iraqi jails on suspicion of links to the Islamic State group. Human Rights Watch has accused the Albanese government of outsourcing its responsibilities with regards to the 13 Australians.

Human Rights Warning

Human Rights Watch warns the Australians face inhumane treatment and potential execution. The group's statement directly criticizes the Australian government's handling of the detainees. Iraqi authorities have called for greater support as the nation deals with the burden of cases.