Shamima Begum, the infamous former ISIS bride, has been seen in public for the first time in years, appearing “pale and thin” during a tense interview at the al-Hol camp in Syria.
The 26-year-old masked her face and abruptly stormed out after refusing to answer questions, reigniting debates over her possible return to the UK.
Stormy Interview Ends Abruptly
During the brief sit-down with a Daily Express reporter, Begum declined to comment on remarks made by former UK politician Nigel Farage about her potential repatriation.
When asked if US intervention could pave the way for her return to Britain, she repeated “No comment” and then lashed out at the reporter.
“If you guys don’t have anything to tell us, we don’t have anything to say,” she shouted before leaving in a huff, highlighting her frustration with the persistent media attention.
From Bethnal Green to Syria
Born and raised in Bethnal Green, east London, Begum travelled to Syria in 2015 to join ISIS.
She later became a child bride to Dutch convert Yago Riedijk, and the couple tragically lost all three of their children in infancy.
In 2019, then-Home Secretary Sajid Javid stripped her of her British citizenship, prompting years of legal battles and a public campaign to overturn the decision.
Political Reactions in the UK
The question of Begum’s return has divided UK politicians.
Farage admitted he has become more thoughtful about her repatriation, describing her as “a lesser part of the equation” rather than an “all-out ISIS killer.
” Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated unequivocally that no Conservative government would allow her back, arguing that citizenship carries responsibility, not the freedom to engage in “crime tourism.”
Former Labour Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed the sentiment, telling Good Morning Britain that Begum “will not be coming back to the UK” and emphasizing national security concerns surrounding those held in Syrian camps.
International Pressure
The US has repeatedly pressured allies, including the UK, to repatriate citizens detained in northeast Syria, arguing it is a “moral responsibility” to bring ISIS members home for justice.
European nations like Spain and France have complied, citing both humanitarian concerns and global security efforts.
In contrast, Britain has maintained a firm stance, refusing most repatriation requests, with Begum’s case remaining the most high-profile.
The Court of Appeal dismissed her challenge over the loss of her citizenship last year, though her legal team has vowed to continue fighting.
Camp Conditions and Human Rights Concerns
Begum remains in the al-Hol camp, described as “grim” and “extremely volatile” by the Red Cross.
Her lawyer, Gareth Peirce, has criticized her “indefinite arbitrary detention,” arguing it violates international law.
“She and others are in what is not a refugee camp but a prison camp,” Peirce said, highlighting the lack of options for escape or repatriation.
The Home Office, represented by Sir James Eadie KC, countered that Begum poses a national security risk, stressing that radicalization and manipulation do not negate potential threats.