The purpose of this report is to help identifying a profile of the threat represented by pseudo-Islamic radicalisation in European prisons and, on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of the phenomena, indicate appropriate European strategies of prevention and contrast.
It provides an extensive outline of the more important case histories of radicalisation in European and USA prisons, as well as a comparative analysis of the penitentiary systems of Italy, Spain, Belgium, France and England regarding the problem of penitentiary radicalisation and the handling of prisoners of Muslim faith.
Specific recommendations aimed at preventing radicalisation and proselytism include giving specially trained Imams an organic role in penitentiary activities, and establishing partnerships with the local moderate Mosques in order to prevent distorted and exploited use of the Koran; providing assistance to the more vulnerable inmates and their families; developing forms of inter-institutional co-ordination on a national and European level, ensuring the involvement of relevant civil society organisations in the measures of prevention.

This report was authored by Dr. Sergio Bianchi.