Shabana Mahmood is determined to vigorously defend the decision to revoke ISIS bride Shamima Begum’s citizenship. The Home Secretary affirmed that the Government will stand firm against a new legal challenge. Begum’s lawyers argue that she was manipulated for sexual exploitation at the age of 15. The European Court of Human Rights has sought clarifications from Britain regarding this contentious action.
During discussions in the Commons, Ms. Mahmood assured MPs that the case of Shamima Begum had been extensively litigated by the previous government up to the UK Supreme Court. She emphasized that all legal aspects had been addressed, and the government’s stance on the matter remains unchanged. The government is prepared to vigorously uphold its position at the European Court of Human Rights.
This stance followed a demand from the Tory Shadow Home Secretary for assurance that Ms. Begum would not be allowed to return, citing her support for the ISIS regime. Begum, a London native who ventured to ISIS-held territory as a schoolgirl, is contesting the decision to strip her of UK citizenship in February 2019.
Former Tory Home Secretary Sir Sajid Javid took the action after deeming her a national security threat. Currently residing in a Syrian camp, Begum, who married an ISIS fighter, is challenging the citizenship revocation under Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits slavery and forced labor. The UK Supreme Court denied her the opportunity to challenge the decision.
Strasbourg judges have inquired whether the Government should have considered if Begum was a trafficking victim. Lawyer Gareth Peirce highlighted the circumstances that led Begum to Syria and criticized the failures to protect a vulnerable child. Begum, now 26, traveled to Syria in 2015 with two schoolmates, both of whom are reported deceased. After marrying an ISIS recruit, she gave birth to three children, all of whom have passed away.