09 April 2023 , 19:26
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A British woman has said she was detained at an airport because she had a name similar to Shamima Begum, the former Isis bride denied entry to the UK.
Shamina Begum, 37, was returning to Manchester Airport from a holiday in Turkey with her partner when she was told to seek assistance at the e-gate machines.
Ms Begum, who is 14 years older than Shamima Begum, alleged a Border Force staff member said her name appeared to be the issue, as it was similar to 'someone of interest'.
Shorly afterwards, she made her way through to baggage reclaim with her husband - where she claims five officers moved on them and detained her under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The Border Force staff advised her that she shared the same name as someone 'wanted', according to The Independent.
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The 37-year-old is 14 years older than the former Isis bride (pictured) (AFP/Getty Images)Her bag and phone were then said to have been seized, after which she claims she was held for three hours of questioning about the origins of her name, why she follows the Muslim faith, her family history, details of her mortgage payments, and whether she 'thinks bombing is okay'.
Ms Begum, who was released with no further action, says she has sought medication from her GP because of her trauma from the experience, which she said left her feeling "humiliated".
She said: "After I was let go, I cried all the way from the airport to my house and I couldn’t face the outside world for about four weeks. In the immediate days after this happened, I'd wake up every day and wish I had not. I
'm not a terrorist and didn't deserve to be treated that way. It was a dark and difficult time which still impacts me, unfortunately."
She added that she believes officers had "no reason to stop her" and couldn't give her a "proper reason for the stop"".
Ms Begum, who is reported to work at a government agency and live in the north of England, reportedly had her DNA and fingerprints taken and added to the police database.
She has recently lodged an appeal after a complaint to Greater Manchester Police about her treatment and the keeping of her biodata was not upheld.
A spokesperson for GMP’s Professional Standards Branch said: “Upon receipt of a complaint, our assessment team reviewed the circumstances and identified that the use of Schedule 7 was reasonable and proportionate.
"We are, however, aware of an appeal against the outcome of this review so we will not be commenting any further at this time.
They added that Schedule 7 "remains a vital piece of legislation to protect the UK Borders" and is subject to regular reviews of terrorism legislation.
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