The Islamic State (IS) terrorist El Shafee Elsheikh, known as “Jihadi Ringo,” has applied to move from a U.S. high-security prison to the UK, despite having his British citizenship revoked — sparking outrage among victims’ families.
The 37-year-old, part of the so-called “Jihadi Beatles” execution cell, is serving eight consecutive life sentences in Colorado after his 2022 conviction on charges including hostage-taking and conspiracy to murder.
Hostages described him as the group’s main guard who carried out much of the torture. The U.S. government has attributed 27 beheadings to the cell.
“The idea someone this evil could be back in a British prison makes my skin crawl,” said Bethany Haines, daughter of murdered Scottish aid worker David Haines.
UK Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said the request stood no chance: “He was stripped of his citizenship so he never steps foot on British soil again.”
Born in Sudan but raised in west London, Elsheikh lost his UK citizenship in 2018. He applied for transfer under the International Prisoner Transfer Programme. The UK Ministry of Justice said no application has yet been received, but it retains the authority to refuse any request.
