Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to vigorously defend the decision to withdraw ISIS bride Shamima Begum’s citizenship against a new legal challenge. Begum’s lawyers claim she was manipulated and exploited for sexual purposes at 15 years old, with the European Court of Human Rights seeking clarification from the UK on the controversial action.
Shamima Begum, born in London, is contesting the UK government’s move to revoke her citizenship in February 2019, following her journey to an Islamic State-held region as a schoolgirl. Despite the challenge, a Government insider confirmed that Mahmood remains resolute.
Former Conservative Home Secretary Sir Sajid Javid initiated the citizenship withdrawal due to concerns over Begum posing a national security threat. Currently residing in a Syrian camp after marrying an ISIS fighter, Begum is contesting the decision citing Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights, emphasizing the prohibition of slavery and forced labor.
Strasbourg judges have raised queries to the Home Office about whether the government adequately considered Begum as a trafficking victim. Lawyer Gareth Peirce highlighted the failures in protecting Begum, emphasizing the lack of attention to grooming and trafficking issues by the then Home Secretary, Sajid Javid.
Despite the legal challenges, the Home Secretary is prepared to defend the decision to revoke Begum’s citizenship, prioritizing national security according to a Government source. The Conservative party has expressed opposition to Begum’s return to the UK under any circumstances.
Shamima Begum, now 26, traveled to Syria in 2015 with two school friends, Amira Abase and Kadiza Sultana, both of whom are reported deceased. Following her arrival, Begum married an ISIS recruit at 23 years old and gave birth to three children, all of whom have passed away.