Australian nurse Adam Brookman to be extradited to Victoria after returning

An Australian nurse who allegedly worked alongside Islamic State militants has been arrested after voluntarily returning from Syria on Saturday. Adam Brookman will be extradited to Victoria to face court after being arrested at Sydney global Airport on Friday night.

Canberra’s rhetoric has been stepped up in recent months as fears grow about the number of Australians fighting with jihadist groups and concern about the threat at home from radicalised individuals.

Brookman did not speak during the brief appearance and is expected to be held at the Surry Hills police centre in Sydney’s city centre until he is transported to Melbourne. Court documents show both charges allege that Brookman knowingly provided support to the Islamic State movement by undertaking guard duty and reconnaissance for the militants.

It is alleged that support would help the group “prepare or foster” a terrorist act.  The father of five claimed he was forced to join IS after being injured in an air strike and sent to a hospital under IS control which he was barred from leaving.

A warrant for Brookman’s arrest on two terrorism-related charges was issued on Friday. The government estimates that up to half the Australian foreign fighters are dual nationals.

However, he told he did not necessarily oppose the crucifixion he saw, saying he agreed with capital punishment, just not innocent people being executed.

“Any Australian who is in Al-Raqqa province in Syria or in Mosul in Iraq without a legitimate reason is committing an offense against Australian law”.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said at least 70 Australians were fighting in Iraq and Syria, backed by about 100 Australia-based “facilitators”.

Brookman surrendered to officials in Turkey on Tuesday. He won the militants’ trust by working as a medic and was able to escape to Turkey in December.