Shamima Begum, the 26-year-old former ISIS bride, stormed out of an interview with the Express newspaper after being asked just two questions. The encounter took place at the al-Roj camp in Syria, where Begum has been held since the fall of the Islamic State in 2019.
Begum, who left Britain at age 15 to join ISIS, was stripped of her British citizenship in 2019 and has lost all legal appeals to have it restored. During the interview, she was asked about comments by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who recently said he had become “thoughtful” about supporting her return to Britain, adding that he did not classify her as “an all-out ISIS killer.” Begum refused to comment, simply saying “no comment”.
When asked whether US President Donald Trump could be key to her return to Britain, she again replied “no comment”. She then added: “If you guys have anything to tell us but we don’t have anything to say.” Shortly after, she and her American friend Hoda Muthana left the room, saying “bye” before departing.
Witnesses described Begum as appearing pale and very thin, with sunken eyes. She wore a black t-shirt with a zodiac design, light-coloured skinny jeans, white trainers, and a covid mask covering the lower half of her face. This was the first time she had been pictured since a 2023 BBC documentary.
Sources at the al-Roj camp suggested that authorities believe it may be time for Britain and other countries to take back the women and children held there. Begum had three children after arriving in Syria, all of whom died.
