DGAP-IFRI-CEP Webtalk: Opening the Black Box – Inside France’s Deradicalization Prog

[Boats]

DGAP-IFRI-CEP Webtalk: Opening the Black Box – Inside France’s Deradicalization Program
By: Counter Extremism Project - 03-15-21
Re: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?og...XCVbSlJDjmSmph

Note: Two Stories are posted on this thread.

1. DGAP-IFRI-CEP Webtalk: Opening the Black Box – Inside France’s Deradicalization Program

(Berlin/New York, N.Y.) – France has been a prominent target of Islamist terrorism both within and outside its borders for decades, and the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty near Paris in October 2020 is only one of the latest examples. Traditionally focusing on security measures to counter this threat, France has only started to establish prevention programs since 2013. Initial efforts faced criticism from a range of stakeholders and, as a result, the latest program has operated with much discretion.

Dr. Marc Hecker’s new study “Once a Jihadist, Always a Jihadist? A Deradicalization Program Seen from the Inside” provides the first comprehensive insights into the program PAIRS, which has been running since 2018. After an extensive field survey of staff, participants, and partners of PAIRS, the study not only finds that none of the terrorist offenders that have participated have reoffended, but also offers a nuanced assessment of the program’s disengagement and deradicalization efforts.

At this joint webtalk by the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), and the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), we will discuss the study’s results and implications for French and German prevention efforts.

The 90-minute event will be held in English via Zoom on

Monday, March 29, 2021, at 16:00 PM (CET) / 10:00 AM (ET).

Agenda:

Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler, senior director, CEP

Opening remarks & moderation:

Dr. Marc Hecker, director of research and communications, IFRI, editor-in-chief of Politique étrangère, and a research fellow at the Security Studies Center

An assessment of the French disengagement program

Sofia Koller, research fellow, DGAP and project leader of the International Forum for Expert Exchange on Countering Islamist Extremism (InFoEx)

Comparing deradicalization and disengagement in France and Germany

Dr. Robert Pelzer, senior researcher, Centre for Technology and Society (CTS), Technical University of Berlin and co-head of the department Security - Risk - Criminology

Key aspects of rehabilitation and reintegration of released Islamist extremists in Germany and commentary on the IFRI report

Participants will be able to ask questions via Zoom’s question and answer function during the discussion.

To participate in this webtalk, please register here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...Sn69dfvGeRcfKg

Please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the event. Please find information related to data processing associated with the use of the Zoom platform at https://dgap.org/de/zoom. Please note that this event will be recorded.

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2nd: Posted Subject (see below)

Extremist Content Online: Footage From Christchurch Terrorist Attack Video, Other White Supremacist Content, Found On Instagram
By: Counter Extremism Project - 03-15-21
Re: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?og...RfdFNmRcZCDlSF

Topic: Extremist Content Online: Footage From Christchurch Terrorist Attack Video, Other White Supremacist Content, Found On Instagram

(New York, N.Y.) – The Counter Extremism Project (CEP) reports weekly on the methods used by extremists to exploit the Internet and social media platforms to recruit followers and incite violence. Last week, CEP researchers located several pieces of white supremacist and neo-Nazi propaganda on Facebook-owned Instagram, including footage from the Christchurch terrorist attack video. Two different uploads of a notorious ISIS bomb-making video on the Internet Archive that instructs viewers on making explosive devices using commercially available products were also found. Also, a pro-ISIS propaganda website put out a call through their Telegram channel for assistance from individuals skilled in fields such as programming, hacking, cybersecurity, editing, and translation, among others.

Meanwhile, CEP researchers located a fundraiser for the Australian neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell on the website “Buy Me a Coffee” (BMAC). Sewell was charged with “affray, recklessly causing injury and unlawful assault” for an alleged videotaped attack on a television station security guard. Finally, a Telegram channel supported by the main Proud Boys channel shared two previously released videos threatening 28 journalists, researchers, and anti-fascist activists.

Neo-Nazi Propaganda, Footage from Christchurch Terrorist Attack Video Located on Instagram

The week of March 7 to March 13, CEP researchers located several pieces of white supremacist and neo-Nazi propaganda on Facebook-owned Instagram. Accounts with approximately 45, 80, and 160 followers uploaded slightly modified propaganda images made initially by the neo-Nazi groups Atomwaffen Division and the Feuerkrieg Division. Another account was located with approximately 150 followers, and referenced a murder committed by a member of the Atomwaffen Division in the username, contained neo-Nazi imagery and statements, and praised ISIS. Despite violating Instagram’s Community Guidelines, the account was not removed after it was reported. An additional account with over 2,500 followers was advertising items for sale, including The Turner Diaries, knives, pepper spray, and white supremacist clothing.

CEP researchers also located an account that posted an approximately 30-second clip from the March 15, 2019, Christchurch terrorist attack that was slightly modified so that the attacker made a different vocal statement. The clip was posted on February 20, 2021, and had 46 views when it was located. Instagram removed the video approximately five minutes after CEP reported it. The account that posted the clip was not removed. Another account that posted a meme containing a screenshot from the Christchurch attacker’s video was reported for violating the site's Community Guidelines but was not removed by Instagram. The photo was posted on August 28, 2019, and had 20 likes.

Notorious ISIS Bomb Making Video Located on the Internet Archive

CEP researchers located two different uploads of a notorious ISIS bomb-making video on the Internet Archive that instructs viewers on making explosive devices using commercially available products. This specific video has been linked to the May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing perpetrator, who killed 22 people and injured hundreds more. The video also encourages attacks in the West and shows knife tactics on a human target, who is executed in the process. One video was uploaded in early March 2021, while the other upload was made in mid-February 2021. Both videos were included in large sets of multiple items of ISIS propaganda uploaded by nearly identical accounts. The Internet Archive removed both videos on March 11 after CEP reported them.

Pro-ISIS Propaganda Website Puts Out Call for Specialists

A pro-ISIS propaganda website put out a call through their Telegram channel for assistance from individuals skilled in fields such as programming, hacking, cybersecurity, editing, and translation, among others. The announcement was in Arabic, English, and French. The same post also called for individuals to create and share social media accounts for spreading ISIS propaganda. The website is currently on the .ro domain and has previously been on the .tf, and .pl domains and at least six others.

Australian Neo-Nazi Fundraises on “Buy Me a Coffee” Website

CEP researchers located a fundraiser for the Australian neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell on the website “Buy Me a Coffee” (BMAC). On March 2, Sewell was charged with “affray, recklessly causing injury and unlawful assault” for an alleged videotaped attack on a television station security guard. Sewell claimed to be fundraising for his legal defense on BMAC and had raised over AUD 1,000 on March 10 after the fundraiser was online for approximately 24 hours. Sewell previously had a nearly identical fundraiser on BMAC the previous week that raised approximately AUD 1,300 but was removed from the site. Both fundraisers used the same profile photo and slightly different variations on the username. The second fundraiser was not removed by the website after it was reported.

Sewell’s group, the National Socialist Network, has stated that they support “white revolution” by any means for the purpose of taking power. The group has previously posted propaganda stickers in the vicinity of a synagogue in Brisbane, Australia, and sought to recruit on social media advertising the action.

Telegram Channel Linked to Proud Boys Posts Old Threats to Journalists and Researchers

On March 9, a Telegram channel supported by the main Proud Boys channel shared two previously released videos threatening 28 journalists, researchers, and anti-fascist activists. Both videos encourage acts of violence against individuals on the list. The Proud Boys did not make the videos, but they feature several individuals who alleged group members have previously harassed or threatened.

The Telegram channel exists to dox and harass the Proud Boys’ perceived enemies, including journalists and anti-fascist activists. The Daily Dot has linked a previous version of the Telegram channel to the Proud Boys, and the main Proud Boys channel posted links urging their members to join both versions to “purge the scum.” The main Proud Boys channel specifically identified the second and current dox channel as belonging to them on January 19, 2021. Telegram removed the first version of the channel on January 18, 2021; however, the second channel was created the next day and is still online.

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Personal note: It seems it's not just the US its all around world - racism's back and its not just the US its world wide. The world population is on the move for many reasons. The countries they once lived in has turned racist and immigrants who suffer from the same are moving around the world - trying to provide for their families and to find work. It's not just a US problem - many people's around the globe are on the move to improved their way of life by working and raising their families in a safe environment. My heart goes out to many of them - but we too - have many unemployed and they are also looking for work - its a major competition amongst those wanting work - and safe place to live all around the globe.
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All around the world - they've tried insurrection - but it was too costly and deadly at times. Every country understands your dilemma - but its not an open door to just come in! Limitations are in place as well as the unemployed in those countries already.
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My sympathy for you doesn't fix your problems - and your desires - but I do understand what your looking for - but you also have to understand that without a trade or special skill its going to be very difficult getting a work visa - in the US - and then you have to feed your family and shelter them as well.
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It a battle today for good paying jobs and getting those who are qualified or have special skills needed. I also do believe you need a sponsor who has to take you in while you find work.
You will also have to provide your worth - by working - not expecting everything for nothing!
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It doesn't work that way. I trust you understand - its not that we don't care - but we have rules that - must be adhered to.
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Boats