In Romania, this overall atmosphere of intolerance is widespread in politics, popular culture and everyday life, legitimising extreme nationalism and discrimination towards selected groups (Cinpoes, 2013). There is a present and exploitable discrimination against migrants and even fellow residents of other ethnicities such as the Roma population. When speaking of far-right trends in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, we must account for the prejudiced mentality already rooted in a substantial portion of its community.
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Far-right extremism in the Balkans and Eastern Europe This trend falls in line with the belief of opposition to “the system” and accelerationist movements that seek the fall of the existing political and social system (Europol, 2021).
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These virtual spheres create a normalisation of hate speech and intolerance.Īnother defining characteristic of this type of extremism across Europe is the interest in weapons and paramilitary combat training (Europol, 2021). Facts are easily distorted, disseminated and assimilated with no confirmation or counterpoint. One example is the proliferation of online disinformation, which creates a false mirror of the world. This online presence is standard practice across the board for far-right extremism. These individuals connect transnationally on online channels and forums of varying degrees of organisation (Europol, 2021). In addition to longstanding active neo-Nazi groups, a growing threat has been identified in self-radicalised suspects of young age, including minors (Europol, 2021). A focus on Far-right – Threats and trendsįar-right extremist ideology develops from a core of nationalism, white supremacism and neo-fascism, with a strong islamophobic, antisemitic, anti-immigration racist rhetoric and an overall resistance against diversity and equality. Better knowledge means early identification of radicalisation cases and a subsequent evaluation, disengagement/deradicalisation and reintegration measures adjusted to the subject’s reality. These different extremist origins have their own characteristics and particularities that experts and practitioners must be aware of and understand. The sources of radicalised viewpoints include diverse positions on different spectrums and ideologies: Jihadist, Right-wing, Left-wing, Anarchist, Ethno-nationalist and separatist beliefs, and even State-sponsored terrorism. If we are to mitigate radicalisation effectively, we need to understand the phenomena in depth. Any rehabilitation initiative must holistically approach each case’s specificity and vulnerabilities. Each combination of person, beliefs and particular path to extreme viewpoints is unique. There is no definitive guide to disengagement and deradicalisation.
EFFORTS ROOT OUT FARRIGHT EXTREMISM FULL
Nevertheless, the arduous rehabilitation process for these individuals is an uphill battle, full of difficulties and uncertainties. On the other hand, if proper measures are not in place, the prison environment can exacerbate previous vulnerabilities in predisposed inmates and become a hotbed for radicalisation. Even if successful in rehabilitation, proper reintegration into society is essential to avoid future re-radicalisation (RAN, 2016). The rehabilitation process of this massive number of radicalised individuals entering the system every year is essential to avoid recidivism once they are released. Prison and probation structures have a crucial responsibility in preventing and countering violent extremism.
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In 2020, at least five terrorist attacks in Europe had the involvement of released convicts or of prisoners at the time they committed the attack. These individuals imprisoned for terrorist offences and inmates who radicalise in prison pose a threat both during their imprisonment and after release (Europol, 2020). Twenty-one people died, and more than four hundred individuals were arrested (Europol, 2021). During 2020, in the Member States of the European Union alone, 57 terrorist attacks were reported, including completed, failed and foiled attempts. Extremist beliefs leading to violent and terrorist acts remain a severe threat to security in Europe.