Shamima Begum was sexually exploited by ISIS, appeal hearing told

Published

1 year ago

November 21, 2022

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Shamima Begum, the jihadi bride, was trafficked by ISIS for sexual exploitation, her lawyers have told a hearing to appeal against her deprivation of citizenship.

She launched her main appeal against the decision, with her lawyers telling a tribunal: “Shamima Begum is a young Muslim woman, someone about who everyone can give an opinion.”

Samantha Knights KC, for Ms Begum, told the first of a five-day hearing at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) that they faced an “overwhelming impediment” to make her case.

Her lawyers have compiled a series of experts to give evidence, including doctors and psychologists, who are experts in assessing how the adolescent mind affects judgment.

Ms Begum was a “British child aged 15 who was persuaded by a determined and effective ISIS propaganda machine to follow a pre-existing route and provide a marriage for an ISIS fighter,” Ms Knights told the tribunal.

Her transfer into Syria, across the Turkish border, was assisted by a Canadian double agent, her lawyer added.

Ms Begum, now 23, left Britain with two friends from the Bethnal Green Academy in East London, who are thought to have been killed in the conflict.

She was captured following the collapse of ISIS in January 2018 and taken to the al-Hawl detention camp, before being transferred to the al-Roj camp, where she has disavowed the terrorist group and said she wants to return home.

However, she was stripped of her British citizenship on the grounds of national security in February 2019 amid a political row over whether she was a dual British and Bangladeshi citizen.

Begum was ‘cynically recruited and groomed’

Her lawyers also said Ms Begum was “cynically recruited and groomed” by ISIS so that she could be married off to an older man within days of arrival in their territory.

“The evidence is overwhelming that she was recruited, transported, transferred, harboured and received in Syria by ISIS for the purpose of sexual exploitation and marriage to an adult male – and she was, indeed, married to an adult, significantly older than herself, within days of her arrival in Syria, falling pregnant soon after,” they said.

Ms Begum, who was 15 years old when she arrived in Syria, and “therefore not able to consent to marriage or sexual activity”, was “married off” on or about February 20 2015 – 10 days after her arrival in Syria to Yago Reidijk, a Dutch national who was “considerably older,” they added.

Ms Knights told the tribunal it is here that she is being “held in conditions of indefinite detention by a non-state actor, prevented from all access to her by lawyers and independent experts and, to her detriment, unrestricted access has been given to her by the press.”

Home Office witness gives evidence

She called the case “extraordinary” and said Sajid Javid, the home secretary who deprived her of her citizenship, had taken “over hasty steps” less than a week after Ms Begum gave her first interview from detention in Syria to the Times.

Mr Javid then fed commentary, including an article written by himself, into the process, Ms Knights said.

“That is in direct contrast to the precautionary approach set out by our experts on how to assess the decisions, thoughts, and behaviour of an adolescent involved during her teenage years in a child marriage,” she added.

The home secretary’s duty to protect the public was not “monolithic” and required “wider context” as well as the consideration about the “safeguarding of victims” of trafficking, Ms Knights said.

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Philip Larkin, a witness for the Home Office, told the hearing that there had been “no formal conclusion” on whether Ms Begum was the victim of human trafficking.

He accepted that Ms Begum must have had helped to cross the border, telling the tribunal: “Any individual who travelled illegally across the Turkish Syrian border would have needed assistance to make that trip.”

But he declined to say whether she had been “recruited” was the victim of “sexual exploitation.”

In July last year, the Supreme Court ruled against the Court of Appeal which had said that she should be allowed to return as the risk of her launching an attack could be “addressed and managed”.

The hearing continues.

UK

Line Of Duty actor Brian McCardie dies aged 59

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2024

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Line Of Duty actor Brian McCardie dies aged 59

Line Of Duty actor Brian McCardie has died “suddenly at home” at the age of 59, his family has confirmed.

Best known for playing mafia boss John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter in the TV crime drama, the Scottish star had also recently joined the cast of Outlander prequel, Blood Of My Blood.

His sister confirmed his death on X, writing: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian James McCardie, beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend to so many.

“Brian passed away suddenly at home on Sunday 28th April. A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and touched many lives, and is gone much too soon.

“We love him and will miss him greatly; please remember Brian in your thoughts.”

She said funeral arrangements would be announced in the days ahead.

No cause of death was given.

McCardie’s agent, United Agents, paid tribute on social media, writing: “We are shocked and so deeply saddened by the tragic news of Brian McCardie’s sudden death.

“He was an actor of such great talent who we were lucky to represent, and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

A statement from Line Of Duty producers Jed Mercurio and Simon Heath and the team behind the hit show, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Brian McCardie’s death.

“We feel honoured to have worked with Brian on Line Of Duty. Brian was an incredibly talented actor, and the lasting impact he had as Tommy Hunter is testament to the power of his performance.

“Off screen, Brian couldn’t have been more different from the character he played – he was warm, funny and charming. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.”

With a career stretching over three decades, McCardie had appeared in numerous TV shows over the years – but it was his role in Line Of Duty for which he was best known.

Tommy Hunter, a criminal boss turned police informant, was one of the show’s original characters, who met a violent end early on in series two.

But Hunter went on to be mentioned in both series three and series five, and was a key player in the nail-biting police corruption whodunnit.

McCardie, who grew up Carluke, near Glasgow, appeared in an episode of Outlander, playing Sir Marcus MacRannoch, before being cast as the chief of Clan Grant in the forthcoming Outlander prequel.

The show, which centres around the lives of Outlander character Jamie Fraser’s parents, is currently filming in Scotland, according to Starz network.

In Rob Roy, McCardie starred as Alasdair MacGregor, the brother of the title character, who was played by Northern Ireland actor Liam Neeson.

His other film parts include the 2013 adaption of Irvine Welsh novel Filth, which starred James McAvoy, and 2003 period drama Mr Barrington.

McCardie also had roles in 2019 Netflix series The Last Czars, along with prison drama Time in 2021, opposite Sean Bean, and Irvine Welsh’s TV series Crime in the same year.

He also appeared in Sky Atlantic’s Domina, set in Ancient Rome, where he played Roman statesman Cicero.

UK

Two men charged over felling of Sycamore Gap tree

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2024

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Two men charged over felling of Sycamore Gap tree

Two men have been charged in connection with the felling of the famous Sycamore Gap tree.

Daniel Graham, 38, and Adam Carruthers, 31, have been charged with causing criminal damage after the tree was cut down last September.

They have both also been charged with causing criminal damage to Hadrian’s Wall and are due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on 15 May.

There was a national outcry when the much-loved, 200-year-old Northumberland tree, which stood next to Hadrian’s Wall, was found to have been cut down.

Northumbria Police made a number of arrests in the wake of the felling of the tree, which happened overnight on 27 and 28 September.

A teenager and man in his 60s were later both told that they will face no further action.

Teams from the National Trust collected material at the scene, which they hoped could be “viable for propagating” – or to produce new saplings and trees directly from the Sycamore Gap.

Officials said they are also “hoping” the trunk of the original tree could still regrow – but it could be three years before they know whether this is a possibility.

Seeds collected from the Sycamore Gap tree after it was felled last year are beginning to spring into life.

Gary Fothergill, specialist prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendants are active and that they have a right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

UK

King Charles talks about his health as he holds hands with cancer patients on return to public duties

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2024

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King Charles talks about his health as he holds hands with cancer patients on return to public duties

The King has said he is feeling “much better” as he returned to public duties for the first time since his cancer diagnosis.

On his visit with the Queen to a Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, the King held hands with cancer patients.

He was also announced as patron of Cancer Research UK, and takes over the role from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth.

The King, who is also patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, replied “much better, thanks” when Sky News asked how he was feeling.

It was his first public outing since doctors told him to avoid public-facing duties while having cancer treatment.

On Friday, the Palace said he was “greatly encouraged” to be given the green light to return to some public-facing duties.

However, sources stressed the King still has cancer and will continue to be treated for an undisclosed form of the disease.

It is hoped his visit will draw attention to the importance of early diagnosis, as well as innovative treatments and research at the hospital supported by Cancer Research UK.

The King also met the team behind a project called TRACERx, the single biggest investment in lung cancer research by Cancer Research UK.

It aims to investigate how lung cancer evolves and why treatments sometimes stop working.

The royals also gave presents to children on their way out – and received some flowers in return.

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The King announced he had cancer at the beginning of February.

Since then, charities have praised his openness and the impact it has had on raising awareness, along with the Princess of Wales talking about her own diagnosis.

Ahead of Tuesday’s visit, a Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty’s treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that the King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties.”

They added: “Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”

The King has continued constitutional work behind the scenes and has held small meetings inside the palace, including with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

At Easter, he made a point of greeting crowds at St George’s Chapel in Windsor – seen as a hint that more public-facing engagements could soon follow.

Palace officials continue to plan for a busy summer and autumn but will work around the caveat that plans might need to change depending on the King’s health and doctors’ advice.

The summer months are always a busy period for the Royal Family with events such as Trooping the Colour, Garter Day, and Royal Ascot.

There is also the prospect of overseas travel towards the end of the year, as Samoa is hosting the biennial meeting of Commonwealth leaders.