Inviting in imams who have been vetted to make sure they espouse “moderate views” is a tactic now being employed in Italian prisons to counter radicalization among inmates. Prison system officials worry that if imams don’t make regular visits, inmates might be more vulnerable to the influence of those who are already radicalized. Justice Ministry Undersecretary Gennaro Migliore stressed in an interview that of about 11,000 Italian prison inmates from predominantly Muslim countries, “those who could be potentially radicalized, or already radicalized don’t exceed 400” inmates. So far, 13 UCOII imams have started preaching in eight prisons after being screened by interior ministry officials. Anis Amri is believed to have become radicalized during the 3 ½ years he spent in Italian prisons for his role in a riot at a migrant center.

Source: Egypt Independent July 12, 2017 09:56 UTC