How deradicalization programs operate in Germany

After the deadly attack at Christopher Street Day in Berlin on Saturday, July 25, German deradicalization programs have again become the focus of public debate. The attacker, identified as Abdul B., 21, was shot by police after fleeing; a video pledging allegiance to the terrorist organization Islamic State was found on his mobile phone. Investigations show that in June and July he attended two introductory talks as part of a deradicalization program in Berlin.

One example of such efforts is the Program for Exit from Islamism (API) in North Rhine-Westphalia, which since 2014 has assisted people who want to distance themselves from Islamist circles, including so-called persons who represent a security risk. The program’s homepage highlights the following statement from a former extremist: "The older teenagers were role models for us. They explained that there is a war in the West against Islam and that I must not be only an observer."

An API counselor and social worker, Stefanie Adler (name changed by the editorial office), says that in recent years there has been a change in the profile of those seeking help: "What we have noticed in the last two years is that the clientele has become significantly younger. Previously people went to Syria and it was somehow clear that there they had joined the Islamic State and radicalized, that is, in real life."

Deradicalization is a "long-term process"

The work of the programs often begins with a detailed assessment: if the person does not come forward themselves, contacts from penal institutions, the police or juvenile justice services propose candidates. "We then examine the person in detail, gather information and begin accompaniment — at the beginning on a weekly basis, and later sometimes only every few months. In any case, it is a long-term process," says Viola Gaiger (name changed by the editorial office), an API counselor and psychologist.

Colleagues from the Network for the Prevention of Violence say that in the specific case of Abdul B. there was no impression that he really wanted to distance himself. Director Thomas Mike stated that most likely he would not have been admitted to the program, because no intention to leave the extremist environment had been shown. On the other hand, when deradicalization succeeds, the process can last a long time — one former Islamist received support from counselors for as long as seven years.

Stefanie Adler defends the necessity of such programs: "What would be the alternative if they did not exist? Many who, after conviction, one day will be released from prison need such programs in order to reintegrate into society." She adds that the public often does not hear about the numerous successful cases, because those who have left the extremist environment want to stay under the radar and continue their lives in peace.

The problem remains large at the national level. Forty associations and initiatives are united in the Federal Working Community for Religiously Motivated Extremism (BAG RelEx). Their director Džamuna Elman warns that radicalization is a complex process involving various factors: "More and more young women are radicalizing. Still, it is mainly young men who radicalize in Germany, commit violent acts and realize their fantasies of violence." Elman lists the so-called "pressure factors" — loss of a beloved parent, failing an exam, lack of housing, job loss, experiences of discrimination and exclusion, or peer bullying — and warns that recruiters offer belonging and clear divisions: 'With us you will be heard, with us you belong, with us you can be somebody. And additionally, we explain the complex world situation through a division of good and evil, black and white.'

The announced cuts to funding cause additional concern: Germany’s Minister of Education Karin Prien has announced a restructuring of the financing program Living Democracy; funding for around 200 projects is to end at the end of the year, which will affect 23 of BAG RelEx’s 40 members. Džamuna Elman criticizes these plans: "The problem is that this hits projects that are actually working well. Instead of concentrating on the substantive work in preventing Islamism, they are now dealing with fundraising and securing new sources of funding. We need stability and long-term support."

Photo: press material from the event