Kimberly Polman, a dual Canadian-American citizen, has been arrested and charged with terrorism-related offences following her repatriation from Syria.
Authorities accuse Polman of joining and participating in ISIS activities after leaving Canada in 2015.
She allegedly travelled to Syria to work as a nurse for the terrorist organization, influenced by an online ISIS member who later became her husband.
Polman was captured by Kurdish forces in 2019 and repatriated to Canada in 2022.
She was among 50 Canadians held in a Syrian camp for displaced persons. Upon her return, Polman was arrested in Montrea alongside Oumaima Chouay, a 27-year-old womanl.
Both women were initially released under a terrorism peace bond with conditions, including that they wear ankle monitors.
Polman has been under a terrorism peace bond since November. Her next court appearance is scheduled for August 2 in Vancouver.
Authorities credit the success of the investigation to strong intelligence and policing partnerships.
“Along with our Canadian and international partners, the RCMP remains committed to combating violent extremism both in Canada and abroad, policing partners, local communities and families are all key in the successful identification, prevention and disruption of terrorist activities, as well as individual disengagement from violent extremism,” said Pacific Region RCMP Supt. Jag Dhot in a press release.
Polman’s family maintains that she is compliant with the conditions of her release and no longer associated with ISIS.
Polman herself claims she was lured to Syria by her husband.
