CoE issues guidelines to combat radicalization in prison

Guidelines to prevent the radicalization of prisoners were published Wednesday by the Council of Europe (CoE).

According to official reports, some perpetrators of recent terrorist acts in Europe were radicalized in prison or while under probation, having previously been involved in petty crime.

The CoE says prison overcrowding, inadequate conditions, racist discrimination or islamophobia, and disproportionate disciplinary measures are factors that increase the risk of radicalization among inmates.

The CoE guidelines issued to the organization's 47 member states are seen as part of the fight against radicalization in prison as well as aiding the rehabilitation of individuals who have already become radicalized.

CoE secretary general Thorbjorn Jagland said that while fighting terrorism is a priority, "Action is also needed to deal with violent extremist offenders in prisons and to prevent them from radicalizing inmates. The guidelines can be a useful tool in that regard".

Adopted by the CoE Committee of Ministers, the guidelines promote the concept of 'dynamic security', meaning that prison staff should not only guard inmates, but communicate with them, know their concerns and be trained to recognize signs of radicalization. They also need to be trained in inter-cultural mediation and crisis management, the guidelines say.

Prison administrations should take into account cultural and religious traditions about nutrition, clothing, opportunities for worship and religious holidays. Agreements with religious denominations should ensure an adequate presence of religious representatives of every faith, the CoE believes.

In order to help them re-integrate into society, prisoners and probationers at risk of becoming radicalized should be offered "appropriate" educational activities and special treatment programs, the guidelines continue, including the use of mentors and selected former violent extremists who may serve as positive examples. Endit