Shabana Mahmood has pledged to vigorously defend the decision to revoke citizenship from ISIS bride Shamima Begum.
The Home Secretary affirmed the Government’s firm stance in the face of a new legal challenge. Begum’s legal team argues that she was manipulated and exploited for sexual purposes at the age of 15. The European Court of Human Rights has sought clarification from the UK regarding the contentious action.
Addressing the case in Parliament, Mahmood assured MPs that the matter had been extensively litigated by the prior government up to the UK Supreme Court, which declined to hear the final appeal. She emphasized that all legal aspects had been resolved, confirming the government’s unwavering position in the case.
This declaration followed a demand from the Conservative Shadow Home Secretary for assurance that Begum would not be permitted to return, citing her support for the ISIS regime’s atrocities. Begum, a London native who journeyed to ISIS-controlled territory as a schoolgirl, contests the citizenship deprivation issued in February 2019.
Former Home Secretary Sajid Javid made the decision based on national security concerns, as Begum had married an ISIS combatant and is currently residing in a Syrian camp. Her legal team challenges the decision under the European Convention on Human Rights, highlighting the prohibition of slavery and forced labor. The UK Supreme Court had previously rejected her appeal opportunity.
The judges in Strasbourg have questioned whether the Government should have assessed Begum as a trafficking victim. Lawyer Gareth Peirce underscored the failures to safeguard a vulnerable child and the lack of consideration for grooming and trafficking issues by the previous Home Secretary.
Begum, now 26, traveled to Syria in 2015 with two school companions, both of whom are reported deceased. Following her arrival, she married an ISIS member and bore three children, all of whom passed away.