Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stands firm in her defense of the decision to cancel the citizenship of ISIS bride Shamima Begum amidst a new legal challenge. Counsel for Ms. Begum contends that she was manipulated, enticed, and misled into sexual exploitation at 15. The European Court of Human Rights has called for explanations from the UK regarding this contentious action.
Shamima Begum, a native of London, contests the ruling that revoked her British citizenship in February 2019, arguing that she was coerced into marriage with an ISIS combatant. Despite her legal efforts, the government, led by Ms. Mahmood, remains resolute in its stance.
Former Conservative Home Secretary Sir Sajid Javid made the initial decision to strip Begum of her citizenship, citing national security concerns. Her legal team is now challenging this decision under Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights, focusing on the prohibition of slavery and forced labor. This move comes after the UK Supreme Court rejected her appeal.
Judges in Strasbourg have raised questions about whether the UK authorities should have investigated the possibility of Begum being a victim of trafficking. Attorney Gareth Peirce highlighted the circumstances surrounding Begum’s journey to ISIS territory and criticized the lack of protection for a vulnerable child. Despite the legal challenges, the Home Secretary remains steadfast in defending the citizenship revocation, prioritizing national security.
The Conservative Party has expressed its firm stance that Shamima Begum should not be permitted to return to the UK “under any circumstances.” Begum, now 26, traveled to Syria in 2015 with two schoolmates, both of whom have reportedly died. Following her arrival in Syria, she married an ISIS member and gave birth to three children, all of whom have passed away.