Maha Almassri, a 61-year-old woman, has been released from detention after her visa was cancelled on security grounds. The lack of public information about her case has led to calls for greater transparency from both advocacy groups and political figures.

Parramatta

Maha Almazri, aged 61, was released from Fillerwood Detention Centre after spending a week in detention following the cancellation of her visa on the grounds that she did not pass the character test and was considered a security risk. Her family had previously called for her immediate release, and neighbours expressed surprise at the situation. 

The Home Affairs Minister did not confirm whether Almazri is still regarded as a security risk by authorities, while the Refugee Action Coalition and opposition politicians have criticised the lack of transparency and called for more information about the basis for her detention. There is no public suggestion that Almazri has been involved in any criminal activity.

Woman deemed 'security risk' released from detention

After her week-long ordeal in detention, 10 News attempted to speak with Maha Almazri this morning. Hello? But there was no answer at her Mount Lewis home. Last week her family issued an angry plea after she was detained in an early morning raid and labelled a security risk. We demand that she be released tonight. After seven days at Fillerwood Detention Centre, the 61-year-old was released overnight. Last Thursday, Ms Almazri's visa was cancelled on the claim that she does not pass the character test and the decision was in the national interest. Her neighbours were shocked. I find her harmless. I've seen her a few times but she seemed harmless to me. Maybe there was misinformation going on. The Home Affairs Minister would not confirm if ASIO still considers her to be a risk to security. The Refugee Action Coalition says the lack of public information and transparency is concerning and that there should be a very high bar for taking someone's liberty away. On the face of it, it does look like they've picked a 62-year-old Palestinian, decided that she is an adverse security risk but on what basis? The only way to address that is to provide the evidence. The Shadow Minister for Home Affairs says the handling of the process has been shambolic. How is it that this individual posed such a security risk, the Minister cancelled their visa and yet a week later they are free in the Australian community? Australians deserve answers, Andrew Hastie said in a statement. There is no suggestion Ms Almazri is involved in any criminality. Sarah Naven, 10 News.

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