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Last week, a new article about radicalization was published in Dutch newspaper Trouw. The article features Scott Douglas, member of the core team of Security in Open Societies.

This article discusses the policy against radicalization in the Netherlands and highlights some important issues and criticisms associated with it. A central concern is the loss of trust between the Dutch government and the Muslim communities due to secret investigations and surveillance measures specifically targeting these communities. In 2021, it was revealed that such investigations were conducted in and around Dutch mosques, initiated by various municipalities, to assess the risk of radicalization. These actions have led to mistrust and outrage within the Muslim communities.

While the threat of radicalization still exists, its nature and ways of manifesting have changed. In the past, the focus was on identifying radicalizing Islamic youth and hate preachers in mosques. Nowadays, radicalization primarily occurs online, independent of mosques. Moreover, recruitment often happens through family ties or friend networks, making traditional surveillance methods less effective.

Experts, including Scott Douglas, emphasize that there is still a need for a policy against radicalization, albeit with an adapted approach. It is important to carefully examine which approaches are effective, considering the evolving nature of radicalization. Restoring trust between the government and the communities is crucial for a successful approach.

Another significant point of criticism is that the current policy is often perceived as discriminatory. Terms like 'salafism,' 'anti-integrative,' and 'anti-democratic' are used without clear definitions, putting anyone belonging to the Muslim community in the spotlight. This raises questions about what qualifies as 'anti-integrative' behavior and how people can prove their innocence when considered suspicious.

In light of these criticisms, some experts, including Scott Douglas, advocate for a revision of the current anti-radicalization policy. They stress the importance of protecting the fundamental rights of citizens and preventing the stigmatization of entire communities. Maintaining a balance between prevention and security is crucial, with collaboration and trust between municipalities, government agencies, and communities at its core.

Read the full article .