The BBC denies giving Islamic State bride Shamima Begum an “undisputed platform”. It comes after a leading strategist labeled broadcasters “useful idiots” for giving her airtime.
A court ruling last week saw Begum’s attempt to restore her British citizenship fail.
During the case, MI5 said many of Begum’s “subsequent interviews were self-serving and an attempt to gain favorable media coverage in the run-up to this appeal”.
The BBC has been broadcasting a full-length podcast, I’m Not A Monster, in recent weeks, as well as a full-length BBC Two documentary about her struggle to return to the UK.
Together, the programs attracted 387 complaints.
Following MI5’s comments, the BBC podcast team was asked if it was being exploited.
A spokesperson said: “This is not a platform for Shamima Begum to tell her undisputed story. This is a robust investigation into who she really is and what she really did.
“We encourage people to listen to the podcast, watch the documentary and form their own opinion. We have seen a lot of interest from viewers and listeners who have expressed their appreciation for this research.”
However, former Security Secretary Sir John Hayes condemned the decision to give Begum such publicity. He said that “bad people who want to harm us should not be allowed airtime”.
He added: “Broadcasters have a responsibility when it comes to criminals of all kinds not to glorify illegality.” He wants the BBC and ITV to review not only their Begum coverage, but how they “glorify evil”.
The creators of the podcast claimed they were simply responding to “public interest” in the case.
But Alan Mendoza, of the Henry Jackson Society, an influential think tank specializing in security policy, said many broadcasters had been taken over by Begum.
He added: “British broadcasters should be ashamed of themselves for promoting a national security threat to this country in such favorable terms.
“They have acted like useful idiots of ISIS and without any repercussions have glorified the idea of joining a jihadist organization.”
Meanwhile, two TV interviews with Begum in 2021, on Good Morning Britain and Sky News, will escape censorship by Ofcom, despite being quoted by MI5.
In it, Begum denied having been part of the ISIS vice squad and claimed to be merely a housewife and mother.
The interview on Good Morning Britain generated 273 complaints to Ofcom. The watchdog said it will not investigate either interview. A source said that “robust interviews are conducted with controversial figures all the time”.
In the ITV interview, Begum claimed: “I am very sorry for everyone affected by ISIS. I do not in any way agree or try to justify what they did.”
Sir John said Begum had “supported a violent and vicious regime bent on causing chaos in our country”.
He added: “To glorify that malice is irresponsible.”