Today I can confirm that the Australian Government has notified Neil Prakash that his Australian citizenship has ceased due to being in the service of Islamic State.
This brings to 12 the total number of dual citizens whose Australian citizenship has ceased for actions contrary to their allegiance to Australia.
Mr Prakash is currently in jail in Turkey, where he faces charges related to being a member of Islamic State.
Mr Prakash is also the subject to a formal extradition request made by Australia to Turkey in relation to a number of serious terrorism charges.
Under section 35 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, a dual national’s Australian citizenship automatically ceases if they act contrary to their allegiance to Australia by engaging in terrorism-related conduct.
Islamic State has been a declared a terrorist organisation for these purposes since 6 May 2016. This terrorist organisation is opposed to Australia’s rights and liberties, interests, values, and democratic beliefs.
Cessation of Australian citizenship of dual nationals engaged in terrorist conduct offshore is a key part of Australia’s response to international violent extremism and terrorism.
Dual citizens who choose to be involved in terrorism forfeit the privileges of Australian citizenship and I remain committed to enforcing the legal provisions that remove them.
Our first priority is, and will always be, the safety and security of Australians.
