Radicalization in Prisons: Sharing Best Practices Across the Atlantic

Summary

In recent years, the processes of radicalization leading to violent extremism have greatly evolved. The variety of ideologies that provide inspiration for extremist groups is growing, from religiously-inspired to left-wing and right-wing extremism. From a law enforcement perspective, a broader approach is needed, aimed at earlier intervention and prevention, and engaging a wide spectrum of actors from across society. An important part of this larger, complex challenge is the way we deal with radicalization in prisons. Prisons can be the source of inspiration for more radical views to evolve, or they can be the reason for individuals to abandon extremism. This event on October 30, 2017, highlighted best practices from both sides of the Atlantic and aimed to facilitate a growing EU-US community of practice.

Introduction

• Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens - Research Director, Program on Extremism, George Washington University

Panel 1: Preventing and Countering Radicalization in Prisons

• Finn Grav, Norwegian Prison and Probation Service and Co-chair of the Prison and Probation working group of the Radicalisation Awareness Network
• Yola Wanders, Head of Terrorist Wing at the Prison of Vught in The Netherlands
• Shawna Wilson, Senior Rule of Law Advisor for the Bureau of Counterterrorism and Countering Violent Extremism (CT) at the Department of State
• Emily Dyer, Head of Extremism Policy for Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism (OSCT) Joint Extremism Unit

Panel 2: Probation and Terrorist Offenders

• Paul Brennan - Probation Administrator for Violent Extremists for the US Probation and Pretrial Services Office at the Administrative Office of the US Courts
• Alexandra Antoniadis - Head of Sector, Counter-terrorism, European Commission, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs  
• Milena Uhlmann - Researcher on the effectiveness of exit work interventions at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees in Germany and Associate Fellow of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation