Statement on Shamima Begum
Published: Sunday 17th February 2019
Shaykh Muhammad Umar, Chairmanof the Ramadhan Foundation comments:
“I am deeply disturbed by Shamim Begum’s interview today where she tries to normalise the beheading of many innocent people including British citizens like Alan Henning. There can be no excuses or justification for such brutal crimes. However what it does show is she is severely brainwashed and it will take a long time to get her to see the error of her ways.
One thing is very clear, ISIS was and still is a barbaric evil cult that has the blood of so many people. Nothing in what they did was good and they are enemies of Islam and Muslims.
Shamima needs to show humility, condemn ISIS and promise to work to return back to the mainstream of Islam which totally rejects their barbaric practices and propaganda.
She is a British citizen and it’s our responsibility to ensure she is not a danger to anyone. We cannot make our citizens stateless as international law dictates but I have total confidence in the Police and Intelligence Agencies to take all necessary action. Justice will be served.
The Ramadhan Foundation is concerned that the Home Secretary Sajid Javid is more interested in making political points and pandering to his right wing base. This requires the law to take its course without interference from politicians. Our values and the rule of law in this country is what makes us a great nation and it is this that will define how we should respond. I urge Shamima to now reflect on her mistakes and seek forgiveness”
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