Shabana Mahmood is determined to vigorously defend the decision to revoke Shamima Begum’s citizenship from ISIS. The Home Secretary asserted that the Government will stand firm against a new legal challenge. Begum’s lawyers claim she was manipulated for sexual exploitation at the age of 15. The European Court of Human Rights has sought clarification from Britain regarding this controversial action.
During discussions in the Commons, Mahmood affirmed that the case of Shamima Begum had been extensively litigated up to the UK Supreme Court by the previous administration. She emphasized that all legal matters had been addressed, and the government’s stance on the issue remains unchanged. Mahmood stated the intention to vigorously uphold this position at the European Court of Human Rights.
In response to a demand by the Tory Shadow Home Secretary, it was emphasized that the Government will not permit Begum’s return. Allegations were made that Begum supported the ISIS regime, known for heinous acts including civilian murders, rape, and persecution of individuals based on sexual orientation.
Shamima Begum, a native of London, challenged the decision to strip her of UK citizenship in February 2019 after being labeled a national security threat due to her marriage to an ISIS fighter. Her legal team is contesting the decision under Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights, focusing on the prohibition of slavery and forced labor. The UK Supreme Court previously denied her appeal opportunity.
Inquiries from judges in Strasbourg have raised questions about whether the Government should have considered Begum as a victim of trafficking. Lawyer Gareth Peirce highlighted the exploitation Begum faced as a 15-year-old and criticized the failure to safeguard her despite being at high risk. The decision to revoke her citizenship by the then Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, was criticized for neglecting grooming and trafficking issues.
Shamima Begum, now 26, traveled to Syria in 2015 with two schoolmates, Amira Abase and Kadiza Sultana, both of whom are reported deceased. After arriving in Syria, she wed a 23-year-old ISIS recruit and gave birth to three children, all of whom passed away.