Danish schoolgirl kills 100 IS militants over being labeled a terrorist

A Danish woman who killed 100 Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq and Syria says she is treated like a 'terrorist' in her home country.

Joanna Palani, 23, left her comfortable university life in Copenhagen to travel to Iraq and Syria to become a sniper in the Kurdish militia. She killed 100 rebels in the fight against IS and returned home in April 2016 after more than a year of fighting, according to Mirror.

Police said Palani's passport had expired, making it impossible for her to return to Syria or Iraq and that she could face up to six years in prison under new laws aimed at preventing fanatical Danish citizens from joining IS.

However, she returned to Syria to continue fighting alongside the Kurdish militia from June to October 2016. After returning home, she faced a prison sentence for violating the ban. Joanna admitted to violating Denmark's anti-terrorism laws by returning to Syria.

Danish schoolgirl drops out of school to go to Syria and Iraq to fight IS. Photo: Mirror

"I apologize for violating the restraining order (which only applies to Joanna) but I had no choice. I never expected to lose everything for fighting for the safety of the very country that is trying to take away my freedom."

Joanna said she felt hunted by the Danish authorities, and was constantly worried that IS had also put a $1 million bounty on her head. Joanna had to move every three days and lived in constant poverty.

"I am willing to give up my life and freedom to stop IS so that people in Europe can be safe, that is my choice, but I am treated as a terrorist in my own country," Joanna said.

"I live in one of the most developed countries in the world, but I am homeless, freezing in bed and going to bed hungry every night, even though I work hard all day. I don't dare to trust anyone."

Joanna was arrested by Danish intelligence on 7 December 2016. She was held for three weeks and was released by a judge before Christmas on 23 December last year. However, Joanna still faces a two-year prison sentence for violating Denmark’s anti-terrorism laws.

Joanna is tired of being hunted by IS and being branded a terrorist in her home country. Photo: Mirror

"The Danish government is trying to take my case to court and say I'm like ISIS but I'm not a criminal. I'd rather spend 10 years in prison with the pride of saving lives but I can't spend a day in prison because I'm considered a danger to Denmark. I don't understand why (Danish intelligence) considers me a threat when I've fought for Europe and women around the world," Joanna said.

Joanna is a Danish-Iranian Kurdish. Her father and grandfather both fought in the Kurdish militia. She was born in a UN refugee camp and moved to Copenhagen. Joanna learned to shoot at the age of 9.

According to VNE