Northern Ireland

Islamic State bride Shamima Begum wears Claddagh ring in TV interview

Shamima Begum appears to be wearing a Claddagh ring during an interview with ITV News
Shamima Begum appears to be wearing a Claddagh ring during an interview with ITV News Shamima Begum appears to be wearing a Claddagh ring during an interview with ITV News

ISLAMIC State bride Shamima Begum is seen wearing what appears to be a Claddagh ring in her latest television interview.

The 19-year-old wore the traditional Irish ring as she spoke to ITV News about the British government's decision to revoke her citizenship.

Ms Begum, who gave birth to a son at the weekend, was 15 when she fled Bethnal Green in east London with two other schoolgirls in 2015 to travel to Syria.

She was found in a Syrian refugee camp last week after reportedly leaving Baghuz – Islamic State's last stronghold.

The teenager says she has no regrets about joining IS, but wants to return home and described the revoking of her British citizenship as "unjust on me and my son".

Read More: Leona O'Neill on why 'Isis mother' Shamima Begum deserves compassion

Her case has sparked intense debate about the British government's responsibilities to those seeking to return from Syria.

The Claddagh ring originated from an old Irish fishing village of the same name in Galway. Its design – two clasped hands holding a crowned heart – symbolises love, friendship and loyalty.

Ms Begum wore the ring as she spoke to ITV News at a refugee camp in Syria where she is staying with her newborn son.

She was shown a copy of a Home Office letter setting out the action against her.

"I don't know what to say. I am not that shocked but I am a bit shocked. It's a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like it's a bit unjust on me and my son," she said.

Ms Begum suggested she may now seek citizenship in the Netherlands, where her husband is from.

Figures for 2017 show that 104 people were deprived of their British citizenship – up from 14 in the previous year.