Anti-IS fighter released after being questioned by AFP
A Queensland man who fought against Islamic State fighters in Syria received a hero's welcome as he touched down in Melbourne where he was questioned by federal police.
Ashley Dyball, 23, was deported from Germany on Saturday night and arrived in Melbourne on Sunday night.
He was met by Australian Federal Police officers, who took him for questioning. He was later released to his parents.
A large chanting crowd of supporters greeted Mr Dyball as he came out to meet his family.
A crowd of supporters greet Ashley Dyball at Melbourne airport. Source: Facebook/Phillip Gassy
Ashley Dyball was reunited with his parents and family after being deported from Germany. Photo: Kieran Bennett
Ashley Dyball serving in northern Syria. Soruce: Facebook
Mr Dyball's parents maintain their son is "not a criminal" and he was greeted by them and supporters at the airport.
He had been fighting against the Islamic State in northern Syria before taking a break and entering Germany last week.
The Queenslander took to social media to slam the German government after being detained upon arrival.
Mr Dyball. Photo: 7 News
Mr Dyball wrote: "Would personally like to thank the German government for classifying me as a security threat and deporting me back to Iraq.
"My apologies for trying to make the world a better place."
Dyball posted a series of photos on his Facebook account. Source: Facebook.
Under the Foreign Fighters Bill 2014 passed by the Abbott government it is an offence for Australia citizens to partake in foreign wars in which a government is set to be overthrown.
Dyball has been serving with the Kurdish militia group YPG - one the main groups fighting ISIS. The group is said to avoid conflict with the Syrian army.
Ashley Dyball pictured on the front line in Syria. Source: Facebook.
Ashley Dyball aka Mitchell Scott joined the Kurdish militia to fight against IS. Source: Facebook.
Mr Dyball's parents said their son has served with the YPG, helping them dismantle landmines. They are pleading with the Australian government to any forego charges.
"The charges are just so ridiculous, they should be dropped," Mr Dyball told 60 Minutes.
"The law was unclear at the time, if they were clear the boys would not have gone."
Mr Dyball could potentially be jailed if he returns home because Australian legislation prohibits anyone fighting on either side of the Syrian conflict. Source: Facebook.
Mr Dyball's mother Julia expressed pride in her son's actions.
"Countless people and children that have been killed by landmines. And I don't see what's so criminal about dismantling landmines so people can return home," she said.
Mr Dyball's Australian lawyer Jessie Smith confirmed his client was detained by German authorities last week.
However she said it was unclear whether he would be charged or returned to northern Iraq, where his flight possibly originated.
Mr Dyball left his home in Queensland earlier this year, telling his family he was taking a holiday.
He instead travelled to Syria to fight against IS.
Mr Dyball’s close friend Reece Harding was killed fighting with the YPG.
Brisbane man Ashley Dyball, left, pictured here with fellow Australian Reece Harding, right, who was killed fighting IS in Syria. Photo: Facebook.
“So good too see the woman threatening me with life in prison having a great time,” Dyball said in another recent post on Facebook making reference to reports that Julie Bishop recently took a $30,000 plane trip at taxpayers expense.
A change.org petition has been launched.
