Wednesday, June 04, 2008

U.K.: Some accused "extremists" may get therapy rather than jail under new "anti-radicalization" plan

"They would not focus only on Muslim extremism but 'anywhere prone to extremist talk and violent behaviour ...This is not an anti-Muslim document,' he said. 'It will cover denominations of all faiths."

It's good to know they're taking proactive steps to keep all those potential Anglican bus bombers in line. Aside from that silliness, the plan thus far appears very vague about who will qualify for "therapy," as opposed to jail time, and what level of incitement or material support will constitute the threshold for imposing one or the other.

"Islamic extremists to get therapy not jail in Government's new 'anti-radicalisation' plan," from the Daily Mail, June 3 (thanks to HotAir):

Islamic extremists could receive counselling instead of criminal charges under new Government plans to 'deradicalise' religious fanatics issued today.

The move is part of a £12.5m Home Office plan which give councils guidance about how to prevent extremism spreading.

People who fall under the influence of violent organisations will not automatically face prosecution under the new plan.

Instead it will concentrate on a national 'deradicalisation' programme that will try to persuade extremists to change their views through therapy and counselling from community groups.

The scheme will seek to reverse the process of indoctrination carried out by al Qaida-related extremists, using unnamed 'specialised techniques'.

Community groups and councils in England and Wales will get cash from a £12.5m fund to implement the new measures.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: 'The national security challenges we face demand fresh approaches.

'A key element of our strategy aims to stop people getting involved in extremist violence.

'We are investing at local level to build resilient communities, which are equipped to confront violent extremism and support the most vulnerable individuals.' [...]

If a group is found to be promoting violent extremism, local agencies and the police should consider disrupting or removing funding, and deny access to public facilities, the document added.

The measures on 'de-radicalisation' are based on examples overseas and on a scheme in Leicester which 'aims to encourage young people to feel more valued and to eradicate myths and assumptions which lead to young people becoming alienated and disempowered'.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said: 'Preventing violent extremism is about supporting local people to build resilient communities where extremists and their messages of hate cannot take root.

'Nationally and locally there is a growing alliance against violent extremism. A majority of individuals and organisations are working together to prevent radicalisation and extremism in a small minority of communities.

A Home Office spokesman said the maps referred to in today's strategy document were already being drawn up.

They would not focus only on Muslim extremism but 'anywhere prone to extremist talk and violent behaviour,' he said.

'This is not an anti-Muslim document,' he said. 'It will cover denominations of all faiths.'
Thanks Dhimmi Watch

No comments: