Daan Weggemans on the Reintegration of Jihadist Detainees

The study showed that some former detainees became more involved in radical networks during and after their stay in prison. Furthermore, their arrest and detention increased feelings of societal distrust and resentment. After their release the status of some former detainees increased among comrades. In addition, they often received only limited guidance during their reintegration. Another important barrier is "the terrorism sanction-list". Due to the rigid and arbitrary application of these sanctions the reintegration into society is affected greatly in a negative way. The freezing of financial assets after their release leads to problems for example when opening a bank account, finding a job, or applying for social insurances. In contrast, new social contacts, a future perspective (e.g. via education), the engagement of (non-radical) family members, and in some cases the possibility of ideological dialogues may promote re-integration.

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