Lisa Smith moved to Syria 'to build a state where she could live surrounded by Muslims'

Former soldier said she hoped to raise her children under Islam

Former member of the Defence Forces Lisa Smith arriving at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin where she is facing terror-related charges. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Lisa Smith, a former Irish soldier who denies membership of Islamic State, told gardaí that she moved to Syria to help build a state where she could live and rear children surrounded by Muslims.

Following her arrest on return to Ireland from Syria in December 2019, Ms Smith told detectives that it is important for Muslims to live under Islam, inside the caliphate. She said many prophecies about the return of the caliphate had come true and, she said, Muslims believe that the caliphate would be followed by the return of Jesus and the "day of judgement".