|
EFD’s European Radicalisation Monitor (ERM) provides an overview of ongoing terrorist and radicalisation activities, counter-terrorism measures and broad terrorism-related political debates throughout Europe. With the ERM we aim to provide an objective overview of how terrorist ideologies are spreading in Europe, and of the different forms they are taking. It is imperative that Europeans become aware of the threat of such movements to open societies and to universal human rights. The ERM is based on media sources from around the world, and publications by non-governmental organisations, national governments and international institutions. Links to original sources and news articles are provided and are available by clicking on the underlined text of the articles below.
To read the monitor online, please click here.
ANALYSIS
In October terrorist activity across Europe has been intense. A focal point is Great Britain, which is believed to potentially face a major terrorist plot, currently being investigated by the British authorities. Against a backdrop of controversy - following the parliamentary debate of the new Counter Terrorism Bill - the terrorist threat level in the UK is approaching critical status. Moreover, Scandinavian countries - and Denmark in particular- also appear to be increasingly aware of and concerned by the rise of terrorist activities and radicalisation. Consequently, the governments of the Nordic states are taking action, seeking to develop comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies and distinctive social approaches to favour integration of Muslim communities.
All the more disquieting is the phenomenon of radicalisation and recruitment of potential terrorists in prisons. This rising concern has been matched by a prompt reaction at the EU level. Under the aegis of the French presidency of the European Union, a series of seminars for the exchange of best practises have been held. At the national level, a response to the more general issue of radicalisation amongst young people is coming from British government, which intends to allocate £4.68 million to fight extremism in schools. In order to counter radicalisation, European authorities should put forward an array of new measures involving the use of new technologies and the internet. The UK is taking the lead in this field, declaring a war on terrorism in cyber space. Indeed, Britain is about to implement a new strategy that could serve as an example for other European nations willing to prevent the indoctrination and radicalisation of young people through the net.
For a cross section of radical activities in Europe, cyber-terrorism, the present threat, and anti-terrorism responses from across Europe, please continue reading. To read the original articles in full, please click on the underlined text.
RADICALISATION
Muslim prisoners spread extremism- 11th October
The phenomenon of radicalisation and recruitment in penal institutions is increasingly worrying public authorities across Europe. According to an inspection report on HMP Whitemoor – a penal institution which houses around 500 of the UK's most dangerous prisoners – there are serious concerns about the use of jails “as a recruiting ground for radical Islam”.
INTERNET & TERRORISM
Pedophiles unite with terrorists online - 17th October
A mysterious link between online child pornography and terrorist activities on the net has emerged. Cases where terror suspects are found in possession of child-abuse images have multiplied, puzzling investigation teams in several EU member states, such as the UK, Spain and Italy. An Italian anti-terrorism magistrate maintained that, in his experience, Islamic cells linked to al-Qaeda use pornographic images to encrypt messages of quite a different content, regarding terror plots and bomb-making instructions. In order to cast a light on such a disquieting and potentially threatening connection security authorities are considering the possibility of increasing cooperation between their child protection and anti-terrorism specialists.
TERRORIST PLANS AND RADICAL ACTIVITY
UK publisher of “The Jewel of Medina” targeted by a small group of terrorists - 3rd October
Gibson Square Publisher was targeted by terrorists as a result of its decision to publish the controversial novel “The Jewel of Medina" by Sherry Jones about one of the Prophet Muhammad's wives. Three men charged with plotting to attack the offices of the publishing house are going on trial. According to the author, the book is by no means disrespectful to Islam. Yet, its US publisher pulled the novel over fears that it "could incite acts of violence by a small, radical segment.”
Spanish appeal clears 15 of terrorist links – 7th October
Spain's Supreme Court acquitted 15 men who were convicted earlier this year of Islamic terrorist activity. However, the Court upheld the original convictions of five other people from the same trial, sentencing them to jail terms of between 5 and 14 years.
Dutch court extends prison for 4 terrorist plotters - 8th October
The Hague appeals court upheld the convictions of four Dutch nationals of Moroccan origin, who were originally convicted in 2006 for plotting attacks on Dutch politicians.
Two men suspected of terrorist plot arrested in Germany - 8th October
The German police have arrested a German citizen and a Turkish national on terrorism charges. The two alleged terrorists are suspected to be involved in the activities of a cell that plotted to blow up U.S. targets in Germany a year ago.
NHS doctors planned a 'spectacular’ terrorist attack - 9th October
A terrorist cell, made up of two NHS doctors, is going on trial. The terrorism suspects planned to strike in several different locations across the country so as to ‘punish’ Britain for its political stance towards Israel and Iraq. The two men are charged with plotting car bomb attacks in London’s West End and taking part in the 2007 Glasgow International Airport attack. Some video evidence was presented before the Court. In fact, the two men were caught on a series of CCTV cameras in superstores around Britain as they bought the components for the car bomb attacks.
Terrorism suspects freed in Germany – 9th October
Two terrorism suspects, who were arrested last month on a KLM plane in Germany, have been released on grounds of insufficient evidence. Nevertheless, an investigation is continuing into whether the two men were planning to carry out jihadist attacks.
A mentally impaired young man groomed into becoming a suicide bomber - 16th October
A mentally impaired Muslim convert, Nicky Reilly, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and preparing to commit acts of terrorism. The young man was groomed on the internet by Muslim extremists, who encouraged him to carry out a suicide bomb attack at a busy restaurant in Exeter, UK. According to his family, Nicky had been "radicalised" and "brainwashed" by two men who claimed to be linked with Al-Qaeda. Fortunately, Reilly's plan failed when one of the home-made bombs exploded in his hands as he assembled them in a toilet cubicle.
Spain: thirteen arrests during nationwide anti-terrorism raids - 20th October
Thirteen terrorism suspects of Moroccan origin were arrested in Spain in the course of a nationwide anti-terrorism raid. They are suspected of providing cover for fugitives from the 2004 Madrid train bombings and also of involvement in financing and recruiting of Islamic terrorists. However, judicial authorities decided to free most of the suspects, noting that there was not enough evidence to hold them in custody.
Five men held under Terrorism Act in the UK- 28th October
A complex counter-terrorism investigation led to the arrest of four suspects in a series of dawn raids across the Birmingham area. Three of them are charged with "engaging in conduct with the intention of assisting in the commission of acts of terrorism," while the fourth is charged with “failing to disclose information relating to an act of terrorism”. The alleged terrorists - all from Birmingham- will soon make their first appearance before the Westminster Magistrates Court.
TERRORISM FINANCING
Paris trial begins for alleged terror cell founder- 2nd October
Safe Bourada, a previously convicted Islamist militant, is accused of being the founder of the Ansar al-Fath Islamist group linked to al Qaeda's leadership in Iraq. The dual French-Algerian citizen has been arrested on charges of "financing terrorism" and "criminal association in relation to a terrorist undertaking”. He could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
PRESENT THREAT
UK faces major terrorist plot -15th October
As the House of Lords was debating the Counter Terrorism Bill, Lord West, UK Home Office's counter-terrorism minister, revealed the existence of another major terrorist plot, which is being investigated by the police and security services. British security officials have warned that the terrorist threat level in Britain is approaching critical status. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith declared that approximately 30 major plots are currently being monitored by the British security authorities.
Terrorism on the rise in Scandinavia -16th October
Over the past few years, the security situation in Scandinavia has been deteriorating. Radicalisaation, extremism and violence in the region have intensified. The terrorist threat is particularly worrying in Denmark, especially following the Mohammed cartoons controversy in 2005. Since then, Denmark has become a target of worldwide radical Islamist propaganda. On the other side, the major concerns in Sweden and Norway arise from the potential radicalisation of immigrant communities and refugee populations. In light of the foregoing realities, Scandinavian governments have sought to develop comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies and social measures aimed at promoting integration, sustaining inter-faith dialogue and opposing job discrimination against young Muslims.
EUROPE’S RESPONSE
EU seminars on radicalisation and terrorist recruitment-1st October
The French Presidency hosted the last two seminars of a series of conferences on radicalisation and terrorist recruitment in prisons. The seminars brought together representatives from the 27 Member States and the European Counter-terrorism Co-ordinator, Gilles De Kerchove. The initiative, originally launched by the Austrian Presidency in 2006, aimed at developing and exchanging best practices and was directed to trainers of field agents and, more specifically, prison staff. A “Good Practices Guide” was presented to be shared by all member states.
UK updating its strategy to counter terrorism - 3rd October
British security agencies decided to update their strategy in order to tackle the mounting threats coming from loners and terrorist groups unconnected to al-Qaeda. The counter-terrorism government’s strategy, represented by the “four Ps” (Prevent, Pursue, Protect and Prepare), needs to be revised, especially through the strengthening of its “Prevention” pillar. Many commentators have indeed criticised the lack of real commitment in this field of intervention.
UK proposes new strategy to fight cyber-terrorism - 3rd October
Britain's security agencies put forward a new anti-terrorism strategy, which entails the fighting of a covert war in cyberspace against extremist Islamist internet sites. In today’s world, focusing on the web is vital to effective counter terrorism. The British government intends to financially support all groups that monitor and combat jihadist material on the web as an effort to prevent indoctrination and radicalisation of Muslims.
Germany to allow domestic military deployment in the fight against terrorism - 6th October
Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition proposed a constitutional amendment to allow for domestic military deployment as an emergency measure in the fight against terrorism. The proposal, which some commentators deemed controversial in the light of Germany’s militaristic past, has been agreed by both the SPD and CDU and will now go to Merkel's Cabinet and then to Parliament for final approval.
British Authorities allocate £4.68m to fight extremism in schools - 8th October
British school secretary Ed Balls announced that UK authorities plan to invest £4.68 million to prevent violent extremism through education, which is about to become the forefront of the Government’s strategy to abolish the terrorist threat. As stated by Mr. Balls, “We need to address the underlying issues that can drive people into the hands of violent extremist groups”. Amongst the measures to be implemented, includes the distribution of a “learning together to be safe kit” encouraging teachers to help pupils whom they think could be vulnerable to radicalisation.
What’s left after the counter-terrorism bill - 14th October
The British government decided to drop its plan to extend pre-charge detention for terrorism suspects to 42 days after the bill was defeated in the House of Lords. However, the Home Secretary declared that a new bill would be tabled to request 42-days detention in extreme circumstances. The expected new legislation on terror would include "tough new measures to protect the public". Judges could impose longer terrorism sentences and a special register for people convicted of terrorism-related offences will be created to facilitate the monitoring of suspect activities. Police powers would also be extended with respect to evidence gathering in terrorism investigations.
Czech Republic signs anti-terrorism pact with US - 14th October
Czech Interior Minister Ivan Langer and U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Richard Graber signed an agreement on cooperation between Czech and U.S. law enforcement bodies and security forces in fighting terrorism.
UK government seeks access to internet services data to fight terrorism -16th October
According to the British authorities, the exponential growth in internet telephone traffic is jeopardizing the capability of police to investigate and combat terrorist threats. Communications data is now considered a key weapon in securing convictions of both terrorists and serious criminals. Therefore, the UK Home Secretary outlined plans for a substantial expansion of the government’s capability to access data held by internet services.
Britain to publish names of banned extremists - 28th October
Lists of radical preachers and other extremists banned from entering the UK will soon be published and made available to other European immigration authorities. Excluded individuals will be banned permanently, unless they make a public renunciation saying they no longer preach violent extremism. Since 2005, around 230 people have been refused entry to Britain, including radical Muslim clerics, neo-Nazis and radical animal-rights activists. When announcing the new measures, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith emphasised her determination “to stop those who foster, encourage or spread extremism and hatred through preaching violent messages in our communities.”
|
