Shamima Begum, a British national, made global headlines in 2015 when, as a 15-year-old schoolgirl, she left her home in East London to join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a designated terrorist organization. Her decision, along with that of two other schoolgirls, Amira Abase and Kadiza Sultana, sparked widespread debate and controversy, highlighting issues such as radicalization, national security, and the legal and ethical challenges of dealing with citizens who join terrorist groups.

Early Life and Departure

Background: Begum was born in the UK to Bangladeshi parents. She grew up in Bethnal Green, East London.

Radicalization: Reports suggest that she was radicalized through online propaganda. The exact process of her radicalization, like many similar cases, involved a combination of online influence and possibly peer networks.

Joining ISIS

Departure: In February 2015, Begum, along with Abase and Sultana, flew from Gatwick Airport to Turkey and then crossed into Syria. Their departure was a well-coordinated move, indicating the influence and reach of ISIS's recruitment strategies.

Life in ISIS: While in ISIS-controlled territory, Begum married an ISIS fighter. She lived through the brutal realities of the group's regime, including strict enforcement of their interpretation of Islamic law and witnessing violence and oppression.

Aftermath and Legal Battles

Loss of Citizenship: In 2019, after expressing a desire to return to the UK, Begum's British citizenship was revoked by the UK government on national security grounds. The decision was controversial and raised questions about statelessness and human rights.