ISIS Fighter ‘Jihadi Ringo’ Applies to Return to UK After Citizenship Revoked
El Shafee Elsheikh, a convicted terrorist known as “Jihadi Ringo” and a member of the notorious Islamic State (ISIS) “Beatles” cell, has applied to transfer from a US prison to the United Kingdom. The move has triggered widespread condemnation from victims’ families and UK politicians.
Elsheikh, 37, is serving eight life sentences in the United States after a federal jury in 2022 convicted him of hostage-taking and conspiracy to murder. He was captured in 2018 by Syrian Democratic Forces alongside fellow ISIS member Alexanda Kotey, known as “Jihadi George.”
The so-called “Beatles” group, named by their hostages due to their British accents, gained infamy for recording and distributing videos of brutal executions. Among their victims was British aid worker David Haines, who was tortured, starved, and later executed. American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, aid worker Peter Kassig, and humanitarian Kayla Mueller were also among those murdered.
Bethany Haines, daughter of David Haines, voiced strong opposition to Elsheikh’s application. She described the request as “an outrageous insult” to the families of victims and warned that allowing him to return would provide him with an “easier life” in a UK prison. “I beg the UK Government to act to make sure he never sets foot on these shores again,” she said.
The terrorist, born in Sudan and raised in London, had his British citizenship revoked in 2018. Despite this, he is seeking transfer under the International Prisoner Transfer Programme, which allows inmates to request relocation to their country of origin or citizenship.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick stressed the governmentâs position, stating: “We stripped him of his citizenship precisely so he never steps foot on British soil again. If he wants to go home, he can go to Sudan.”
Concerns have also been raised over the conditions Elsheikh might face if transferred to the UK. Families fear he could be held in facilities such as HMP Belmarsh in London, which provides access to gyms, workshops, religious services, and entertainment. Critics argue such conditions would amount to a less severe punishment compared to the supermax prison in Colorado where he is currently incarcerated.
The US Department of Justice has notified victimsâ families, giving them 30 days to submit statements regarding the application. A notice confirmed: “El Shafee Elsheikh has applied to transfer to the UK, the country of which the inmate is national. Before making a decision, the US collects information about the prisoner, the views of law enforcement, and any views provided by victims.”
Political concerns have also surfaced. Bethany Haines suggested that Sir Keir Starmerâs government could come under pressure from US officials to accept the transfer, citing former President Donald Trumpâs calls earlier this year for the UK to take back its ISIS nationals.
The UK Ministry of Justice has clarified its position, stating: “We have not received any application from the US, but we have the right to refuse any request. Any prisoners who are transferred to the UK will serve the rest of their sentence here.”
Elsheikhâs case underscores ongoing challenges for Western governments in handling ISIS members stripped of citizenship but seeking repatriation. The debate continues over balancing national security with international legal frameworks governing prisoner transfers.
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