Radicalisation in prisons: Council adopts conclusions

The Council today adopted conclusions on preventing and combatting radicalisation in prisons, and on dealing with terrorist and violent extremist offenders after release. The Council highlighted the importance and urgency of effective measures in this area, given the risk posed by the growing number of terrorist offenders and offenders radicalised while in prison, and the fact that a number of them will be released in the next two years.

The Council invited member states to do more to develop specialised interventions for dealing with terrorist and violent extremist offenders, as well as with those in risk of being radicalised while in prison.

It invited them to make use of various good practices, such as:

• swift exchange of information among relevant stakeholders and developing dedicated strategies

• setting up specialised and multidisciplinary units responsible for countering violent extremism and radicalisation in prisons

• comprehensive training programmes for prison and probation staff

• implementing, if necessary, special measures for individuals convicted of terrorist offences, based on a risk assessment

• measures encouraging inmates to disengage from violent extremist activities on a case-by-case basis and support for religious representatives to provide alternative narratives

• education, training and psychological support after release, and further monitoring of radicalised individuals who are considered to pose a continued threat

The Council also invited the Commission to continue to facilitate the exchange of information and good practises, as well as to support the work of third countries and partners, especially from neighbouring regions, to prevent radicalisation in prisons.