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12th June 2022
09:30am BST
Via BBC[/caption]
"No, no, I don't want that, that can't happen. I don't want to be tried in Syria," Begum said. While officials previously spoke about abolishing the death penalty, friends and lawyers of Begum are fearful of her future.
"I was an angel, you can ask my mum, I was an angel," the 22-year-old told the Daily Mail. "I did not like my primary school because I faced some racism there, not constantly, but at a young age one thing is enough."
She added: "Not bullied, but little comments and stuff and favouritism with teachers to white kids over non-white kids."
An unnamed friend told the outlet: "Begum has convinced herself she'll pay the ultimate price if she is tried and found guilty of terrorism offences in Syria.
"She's very frightened and concerned."
They continued to suggest that Begum would be tried with a "group of women accused of terrorist offences" sometime in September or October.
"Rojava authorities don't advocate the death penalty but that has failed to convince her she won't escape such a punishment," the source said added. "And even if she does, she's facing a life jail sentence."
Tasnime Akunjee, a solicitor who has previously acted for Begum, said: "I feel her fears are justified. The justice system there is somewhat meagre."
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