Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to vigorously defend the decision to cancel the citizenship of ISIS bride Shamima Begum amidst a new legal challenge. Begum’s lawyers argue that she was manipulated and exploited for sexual purposes when she was 15 years old. The European Court of Human Rights has requested clarifications from the UK regarding this controversial action.
Begum, a native of London, who ventured to ISIS territory as a schoolgirl, is contesting the revocation of her UK citizenship in February 2019. Despite this, a Government insider indicated that Mahmood will stand firm on the decision.
Former Conservative Home Secretary Sir Sajid Javid initiated the revocation after labeling Begum a national security threat. Currently residing in a Syrian camp, Begum, who wed an ISIS militant, faces legal challenges under Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits slavery and forced labor, following the UK Supreme Court’s denial of her appeal.
Judges in Strasbourg have questioned whether the UK authorities should have considered Begum a victim of trafficking. Lawyer Gareth Peirce highlighted the failures to safeguard a vulnerable child lured into exploitation, emphasizing the lack of proper assessment prior to stripping her citizenship.
Despite the legal battle, the Home Secretary remains resolute in defending the decision to revoke Begum’s citizenship, citing national security as a top priority. The Conservative Party has expressed opposition to Begum’s return to the UK under any circumstances.
Begum, now 26, traveled to Syria in 2015 alongside two school friends, both of whom are reported deceased. After marrying an ISIS fighter upon arrival, she gave birth to three children, all of whom have passed away.