Shabana Mahmood has firmly stated her commitment to vigorously defending the decision to revoke the citizenship of Shamima Begum, who had ties to ISIS.
The Home Secretary emphasized that the government stands firm against a new legal challenge. Begum’s legal team argues that she was manipulated at the age of 15 for sexual exploitation. The European Court of Human Rights has sought clarification from the UK on this controversial action.
During a discussion in Parliament, Mahmood affirmed that the case of Shamima Begum had been thoroughly examined by the previous administration up to the UK Supreme Court, which declined to hear the final appeal as all legal aspects had been addressed. The government’s stance remains unchanged, and it will vigorously uphold its position at the European Court of Human Rights.
This declaration followed a request from the Conservative Shadow Home Secretary for assurance that Begum would not be allowed to return, citing her support for the ISIS regime’s atrocities. Begum, a London native who ventured to ISIS-controlled territory as a schoolgirl, is contesting her citizenship revocation from February 2019.
Former Home Secretary Sajid Javid took action due to concerns about national security, as Begum was associated with an ISIS fighter and is currently situated in a Syrian camp. Her legal team is challenging the decision under Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights, focusing on the prohibition of slavery and forced labor, after the UK Supreme Court rejected her appeal.
Judges in Strasbourg have raised queries about whether the government considered Begum’s potential status as a trafficking victim. Lawyer Gareth Peirce highlighted the circumstances surrounding Begum’s departure to Syria and criticized the lack of protection for a high-risk child. Begum, now 26, traveled to Syria with two school friends in 2015, both of whom are reported deceased.
After marrying an ISIS recruit upon arrival in Syria, Begum gave birth to three children, all of whom passed away.
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