Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to vigorously uphold the decision to cancel ISIS bride Shamima Begum’s citizenship amid a new legal challenge. Begum’s legal team contends that she was manipulated for sexual exploitation at 15, prompting the European Court of Human Rights to seek clarification from the UK regarding the contentious action.
Born in London, Begum, who ventured to Islamic State territory as a schoolgirl, is contesting the UK’s citizenship revocation in 2019. Despite the challenge, a Government insider confirmed Mahmood’s unwavering stance.
Former Conservative Home Secretary Sir Sajid Javid took action due to Begum posing a national security threat after marrying an ISIS member. Begum’s lawyers are invoking Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights, focusing on slavery and forced labor prohibition, following her unsuccessful appeal to the UK Supreme Court.
Strasbourg judges have raised questions about whether the Government overlooked Begum potentially being trafficked. Lawyer Gareth Peirce highlighted the exploitation Begum faced, emphasizing the failure to safeguard a vulnerable child.
Despite the legal wrangle, the Home Secretary remains resolute in defending the citizenship revocation, emphasizing national security as a top priority. The Conservative Party maintains its stance against Begum returning to the UK.
Begum, now 26, journeyed to Syria in 2015 with two schoolmates, both of whom reportedly died. Shortly after her arrival, she wed an ISIS fighter and bore three children, all of whom passed away.