The ECU acknowledged that Shamima Begum is a highly controversial individual who polarises opinion.  While some consider her unequivocally a terrorist, others take the view that at fifteen years old she was radicalised and exploited.  In the ECU’s view the film included sufficient dissenting voices to counter the accusation that the very broadcast of Shamima Begum’s denials about the level of her involvement in Isis represented a breach of the guidelines on accuracy.  The film would not have left viewers with the impression that her answers were reliable, when in fact it explored the reasons many were likely to be untrue.  Similarly, in terms of impartiality, the film included the Conservative MP Sajid Javid’s emphatic endorsement of the decision to revoke her citizenship and reflected opposition by members of the public and parts of the media to the possibility of her  return to the UK. The ECU concluded the subject was properly scrutinised and challenged and did not agree Ms Begum had been provided with a uncritical platform to tell her side of the story.
Not Upheld