Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is ready to vigorously defend the decision to cancel ISIS bride Shamima Begum’s citizenship amid a new legal challenge. Begum’s legal team contends that she was manipulated, encouraged, and tricked for the purpose of sexual exploitation when she was 15 years old. The European Court of Human Rights has sought clarifications from the UK regarding this contentious action.
Shamima Begum, a native of London who ventured to Islamic State-held territory as a schoolgirl, is contesting the UK’s move to revoke her citizenship in February 2019. Despite the challenge, a government insider indicated that Mahmood remains resolute.
Former Conservative Home Secretary Sajid Javid made the decision following concerns about Begum posing a threat to national security due to her marriage to an ISIS militant. Currently residing in a Syrian camp, Begum’s legal representatives are invoking Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights, focusing on the prohibition of slavery and forced labor. This challenge emerged subsequent to the UK Supreme Court rejecting her initial attempt to contest the citizenship revocation.
In Strasbourg, judges have probed the Home Office about whether the government should have considered Begum as a trafficking victim. Solicitor Gareth Peirce emphasized the circumstances surrounding Begum’s departure to Syria for marriage to an ISIS member, highlighting failures in safeguarding a child at high risk.
Despite the legal battles, a government source affirmed the Home Secretary’s determination to uphold the citizenship revocation, citing national security as a paramount concern. The Conservative party has echoed a stance against Begum’s return to the UK under any circumstances.
Shamima Begum, now 26, joined two school friends, Amira Abase and Kadiza Sultana, in traveling to Syria in 2015. Tragically, both friends have been reported deceased. Shortly after her arrival, Begum wed a 23-year-old ISIS recruit and subsequently gave birth to three children, who all passed away.