By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

released with bail conditions

After return from Syria, two Canadian women appear in Edmonton courtroom on Terrorism Peace Bond

Jul 8, 2023 | 1:26 PM

Two Canadians who returned from Syria this week have been arrested.

The RCMP Federal Policing Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) arrested Helena Carson, 33, and Dina Kalouti, 42, upon their arrival to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport on July 7.

Mounties say that with the consent of the Attorney General of Canada, the RCMP commenced proceedings against the two individuals by way of a Terrorism Peace Bond, pursuant to Section 810.011 of the Criminal Code.

Carson and Kalouti were transported to Alberta and appeared in an Edmonton provincial courtroom for a bail hearing. They were then released and are subject to a number of bail conditions pending a hearing of the application.

Meantime, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) said in a July 6 statement on this matter that it had taken extraordinary steps to repatriate five people — the two women, plus three children.This was done through the Bring Our Loved Ones Home litigation.

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“Canada remains steadfast in prioritizing the safety and security of its citizens, both at home and abroad, and has been particularly concerned about the health and well-being of Canadian children in northeastern Syria,” says GAC.

“Canada extends its gratitude to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria for its cooperation in conducting another operation under difficult security circumstances. We also thank the United States for its assistance in the repatriation of Canadians and for continuing to play a key role in resolving the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.”

Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to the fight against Daesh, or ISIS, and global terrorism while vigorously defending human rights both domestically and abroad, GAC adds.

“Where there is sufficient evidence, law enforcement and public safety agencies will independently take the necessary steps to keep our communities safe,” it continues.

“We reiterate that it is a serious criminal offence for anyone to leave Canada to knowingly support a terrorist group and those who engage in these activities will face the full force of Canadian law. We remain committed to taking every possible step to ensure the safety and security of Canadians.”

Due to privacy considerations, GAC could not provide information about the repatriated individuals at the time of its statement, though RCMP later did name the adults. For operational security reasons, GAC can also not share details of the repatriation.

RCMP say that because the criminal investigation remains ongoing, there will be no further comment at this time.

They were asked, but could not confirm to rdnewsNOW where in Alberta the two women are from.

The RCMP says it encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report any information on terrorism or related suspicious activity to the National Security Information Network (1-800-420-5805) or to their local police detachment. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, please call 911.