Begum Ruling Sets Powerful Precedent: UK Could Revoke Thousands of Criminal’s Citizenships

After leaving the UK for terrorist organization ISIS in 2015 at the age of 15, Shamima Begum’s decision to appeal her citizenship being revoked has been dismissed, but her lawyers warn that it won’t end here.

Court of Appeal Rejects Begum’s Citizenship Challenge

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jirapong Manustrong

The Court of Appeal dismissed Shamima Begum’s bid to challenge the revocation of her British citizenship after she lost it attempting to join ISIS in 2015.

Joining ISIS at 15

Image Credit: Shutterstock / railway fx

Begum joined ISIS at the age of 15 and was stripped of her UK citizenship in 2019 due to concerns for national security.

This decision was upheld last year by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC).

A Story That Shook the World

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture

Alongside her two friends, a 15-year-old Shamima Begum captured the world’s attention by jumping on a flight to Syria to become an ISIS bride after being allegedly groomed online.

Begum’s Claims About Syrian Life

Image Credit: Shutterstock / FrameAngel

When she arrived, Begum claimed she married a Dutch Jihadist with whom she had three children, all of whom are believed to have not survived.

A Swift Change of Heart

Image Credit: Shutterstock / cktravels.com

After seeing the horrors that were taking place in the ISIS camps, Begum alleged that she changed her mind and wanted to come home to Bethnal Green, East London.

Stranded in Refugee Camp

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Melih Cevdet Teksen

This change of heart left Begum stranded in a Syrian refugee camp with no UK citizenship and no family to support her, plus the UK public had already made their feelings clear.

Nine Years Later

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Juan Nel

In 2023, at the age of 24, Begum was granted permission to return to the UK to challenge the decision that left her in Syrian limbo for the past 9 years.

Court of Appeals to Decide on Lawfulness

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff

If the Court of Appeals were to find Begum’s citizenship revoked as unlawful, then there would be a chance that she could have her citizenship back. Then, she received the hope she was looking for.

Begum’s Hope Reignited

Image Credit: Shutterstock / An Mazhor

In October 2023, the Court of Appeals heard that the decision to remove Begum’s citizenship in 2015 was unlawful due to the UK not properly investigating how Begum decided to leave the UK in the first place.

Begum’s Lawyers Fight for Her Return

Image Credit: Shutterstock / photobyphotoboy

Begum’s lawyers said that they would “keep fighting” until she was “safely back home”, with Samantha Knights arguing, “the deprivation decision was unlawful.”

2024 Ruling Dismisses Case

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Inside Creative House

Now, in 2024, the Court of Appeal dismissed the case, deeming the decision to revoke Begum’s citizenship as lawful. Solicitor Daniel Furner said, “We are not going to stop fighting until she does get justice.”

Possible Supreme Court Appeal 

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Steve Allen

Begum’s legal team is now considering seeking permission to appeal to the Supreme Court. In case of further challenges, they may consider appealing to the European Court of Human Rights. 

Weighing Up Two Arguments

Image Credit: Shutterstock / wavebreakmedia

In the courtroom, Lady Chief Justice Baronness Carr acknowledged, “It could be argued the decision in Ms Begum’s case was harsh. It could also be argued that Ms Begum is the author of her own misfortune.”

Not Up to Court to Pick Sides

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pixel-Shot

Despite this acknowledgement, Carr insisted that it was not up to the court to pick a side, but instead, their task was to decide on the lawfulness of her citizenship dismissal.

The Court’s Priority

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pixel-Shot

Carr said, “But it is not for this court to agree or disagree with either point of view. Our only task is to assess whether the deprivation decision was unlawful.”

Begum’s Fate Sealed

Image Credit: Shutterstock / New Africa

“We have concluded it was not and the appeal is dismissed,” Carr said in an abrupt sentence that sealed Begum’s fate outside the UK, at least for now.

Home Secretary’s Response

Image Credit: Shutterstock / I T S

Former Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who made the decision to revoke Begum’s citizenship, welcomed the Court of Appeal’s ruling, citing national security concerns for his decision in the first place.

Javid Welcomes Ruling

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sebastian Duda

“I welcome today’s court ruling, which has again upheld my decision to remove an individual’s citizenship on national security grounds,” Javid said.

Home Secretary Argues for Power

Image Credit: Shutterstock / I T S

Javid argued that the Home Secretary should have the power to decide on the future of any citizen if they believe them to be a threat to the country and its people.

The Fight Isn’t Over

Image Credit: Shutterstock / icedmocha

Begum has attempted on multiple occasions to reshape her public image, but to no avail as the court once again rules against her. Now, the country waits for a decision from the Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights.

10 Worst Places to Live in the UK Today

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Drew McArthur

Here’s a look at the 10 worst places to live in the UK, based on statistical analysis and local sentiment, to help you understand the challenges residents may face in these areas. 10 Worst Places to Live in the UK Today

“We Will Never Come to Help You” – Trump’s Hurtful Words Raise Concerns About EU Firepower

Image Credit: Shutterstock / lev radin

It was revealed in a conference in Brussels that former President Donald Trump said in 2020 that the US would “never help” Europe if it was attacked. Now, European nations are grouping to commit more firepower to combat Putin’s threat to democracy. “We Will Never Come to Help You” – Trump’s Hurtful Words Raise Concerns About EU Firepower

Brexit Fallout: 20 Ways the EU Is Falling Apart Without the UK

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alexandros Michailidis

Since Brexit, the EU has been grappling with multiple crises and internal conflicts. Can the bloc hold itself together in these turbulent times? Brexit Fallout: 20 Ways the EU Is Falling Apart Without the UK

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / I T S.

Oscar Davies, an expert in US and UK politics and sports, is renowned for his sharp and engaging writing style, appealing to a broad spectrum of readers.

Leave a Comment