Prison Radicalisation: Are Indian Jails Becoming A Breeding Ground For Islamist Terrorism?
By
Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam
6 March
2024
Islamic Radicalization In Jails Refers To The
Process By Which Individuals, Often Already Incarcerated, Are Influenced Or
Indoctrinated Into Extremist Ideologies Within Prison Settings, Particularly
Those Associated With Islam. This Phenomenon Can Occur Through Various Means,
Including Interactions With Radicalized Inmates, Exposure To Extremist
Literature Or Propaganda, Or Engagement With Extremist Groups Operating Within
The Prison System. There Is The Alarming Threat Of Indian Jails Becoming Manure
For Islamic Terrorism.
Major
Points:
Factors Contributing
To Islamic Radicalization In Jails Include:
1.
Social Networks: In prisons, individuals may
form social networks based on shared beliefs or experiences. Radicalized
inmates can exploit these networks to spread extremist ideologies and recruit
new members.
2.
Isolation and Vulnerability: Prison
environments often exacerbate feelings of isolation, frustration, and
alienation among inmates. Those who feel marginalized or disenfranchised may be
more susceptible to extremist ideologies that offer a sense of belonging and
purpose.
3.
Lack of Rehabilitation Programs: Inadequate
access to education, vocational training, counselling, and religious
programming in prisons can leave inmates susceptible to radicalization. Without
opportunities for personal growth and rehabilitation, some may turn to
extremist ideologies as a form of identity and empowerment.
4.
Extremist Preachers and Materials: Some prisons
may allow access to extremist literature, sermons, or preachers who promote
radical interpretations of Islam. Exposure to such materials can contribute to
the radicalization process, particularly among individuals already predisposed
to extremist views.
5.
Recruitment by Extremist Groups: Radical
Islamic organizations may actively recruit inmates within prison walls. These
groups exploit vulnerabilities and offer support networks, financial
assistance, and ideological validation to recruit new members and further their
agendas.
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Prevention
Methods
1. Risk Assessment and Monitoring:
Implement rigorous risk assessment protocols to identify individuals vulnerable
to radicalization. Monitor inmates with a history of extremist behaviour or
affiliations closely, utilizing intelligence gathering and analysis.
2. Education and Rehabilitation Programs:
Offer comprehensive education, vocational training, and rehabilitation programs
to inmates. These programs should promote critical thinking, tolerance, and
resilience against extremist ideologies. Provide access to religious
counselling and moderate religious teachings to counter radical interpretations
of Islam.
3. Psychological Support: Provide mental
health support and counselling services to address the emotional and psychological
vulnerabilities of inmates. Offer interventions for anger management, stress
reduction, and coping skills to mitigate factors that may contribute to
radicalization.
4. Strong Leadership and Staff Training:
Train correctional staff to recognize signs of radicalization and intervene
appropriately. Foster a culture of trust and communication among staff to
report suspicious behaviour and incidents promptly. Ensure strong leadership
and accountability within correctional facilities to enforce policies and
procedures effectively.
5. Social Integration and Community
Engagement: Facilitate reintegration into society by promoting positive social
connections and community support networks for inmates upon release.
Collaborate with community organizations, religious leaders, and social
services to provide wrap-around support for former inmates, reducing the risk
of re-radicalization.
6. Restricting Extremist Influence:
Implement measures to limit access to extremist literature, materials, and communication
channels within prisons. Monitor and disrupt extremist networks operating
within correctional facilities. Conduct regular searches and inspections to
prevent the proliferation of radical ideologies.
7. International Collaboration: Exchange
best practices and intelligence with international partners to address
transnational extremist networks and prevent the spread of radicalization
across borders.
8. Reintegration and Aftercare: Provide
ongoing support and monitoring for individuals released from prison, including
access to housing, employment assistance, and social services. Offer mentoring
and counselling to help former inmates reintegrate into society successfully
and resist re-engagement with extremist groups.
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Expanding its
investigation into the Bengaluru Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) prison radicalization
case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches in multiple
locations across six states on Tuesday. Digital devices, incriminating
documents, and cash were seized during the operation.
This month
NIA teams raided the premises of suspects in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana,
Punjab, Gujarat, and West Bengal. The seized items included 25 mobile phones,
six laptops, four storage devices, various documents, and cash, including
currency from different countries.
The
searches targeted individuals such as Naveed from Mangalore, Syed Khail from
Bengaluru, Bijju from Dakshina Kannada, Mayur Chakroborty from South 24
Parganas, West Bengal, Navjot Singh from Gurdaspur, Punjab, Hardik Kumar from
Mehsana, Gujarat, Karan Kumar from Ahmedabad, Johnson from Kasargod, Kerala,
Musthaq Ahmed Sathikali and Mubith from Ramnathapuram, Tamil Nadu, and Hassan
Al Bassam from Chennai.
(https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bengaluru-prison-radicalisation-case-nia-raids-multiple-places-across-seven-states/article67915765.ece)
Prison
radicalisation, a major security concern in Europe has not been addressed in
India. If things are left as they are it will be a serious security issue, as
the Bengaluru Prison Radicalisation case shows.
Since
Sayyid Qutb penned "Milestones Along the Road" in an Egyptian prison
nearly half a century ago, prisons have gained recognition as significant
breeding grounds for jihadist ideologies. In Muslim-majority nations, several
prominent jihadists, such as Ayman al-Zawahiri and Abu Mus`ab al-Zarqawi, were
at least partially radicalized during their time behind bars. Extremist
Islamists in the Arab world have consistently utilized prisons to recruit new
adherents, strengthen the commitment of existing radicals, and foster
networking and idea exchange among like-minded individuals.
There is
mounting evidence that prisons in Western countries are now assuming a
comparable role, particularly in the United Kingdom. The UK has witnessed a
greater number of "homegrown" terrorist plots and subsequent
convictions than any other Western nation. Notable extremists whose
trajectories toward terrorism originated in European or U.S. prisons include
several high-profile terrorists. In the UK, individuals like Richard Reid, infamous
for the 2001 "shoe-bombing" attempt, and Muktar Ibrahim, the
mastermind behind the July 21, 2005, London bomb plot, emerged from prison
radicalization. Similarly, in France, figures like Safe Bourada, initially
convicted in 1998 for involvement in the 1995 Paris metro bombings, were later
convicted again in 2008 for plotting additional terrorist acts within France.
Many recent
attacks in Europe are believed to be the fallout of prison jihad. The attack
against Salman Rushdie in 2023 and many lone wolf attacks in the decade clearly
point to the links between prisoners radicalised during detention.
Although
few individuals solely embraced extreme Islamist beliefs due to their
incarceration, their time in prison markedly expedited their radicalization process.
Prison environments often isolate inmates from mainstream society, making them
more susceptible to extremist ideologies. Additionally, exposure to such
ideologies, to which they proved highly vulnerable, further fuelled their
radicalization. Understanding the mechanisms behind prison radicalization is
crucial.
Proactive
Recruitment
Prison
radicalization often begins through personal relationships rather than through
overt attempts at indoctrination by fervent extremists. A Muslim inmate at
California's Folsom prison, who oversees the jail's Islamic Studies Program,
emphasized the importance of recognizing the potential for radicalization on an
individual level. Despite this, many prisons are hesitant to segregate
extremists from the general prison population, even though experience from the
Middle East suggests that this separation is crucial in containing
radicalization. In France, for example, official secularism prohibits
religious-based segregation. British reluctance, on the other hand, stems from
the UK's troubled history with internment during the 1970s, particularly with
Irish Republican Army (IRA) members, which resulted in prisons becoming hubs of
radicalization and propaganda.
Leadership
Crisis
Islamist
individuals, including convicted terrorists, often strive to assume leadership
roles among Muslim inmates in prisons, mirroring their aspirations in broader
society. In the United Kingdom, figures like Abu Hamza al-Masri and Abdullah
el-Faisal overtly pursued positions as representatives of Muslim prisoners.
They engaged in activities such as leading demonstrations and hunger strikes
against prison conditions or perceived mistreatment by staff to establish their
authority. El-Faisal articulated the expectation for clerics to set an example
for fellow Muslim prisoners, maintaining resilience under pressure.
Similar
tactics have been observed in U.S. prisons, notably by groups like Jami`at
al-Islam al-Sahih, which organized collective resistance against prison
authorities at Folsom prison. In some cases, extremist influence is more
subtle. For instance, John Walker Lindh, the "American Taliban"
captured in Afghanistan in 2001, garnered admiration among fellow inmates by
portraying an ostensibly devout and humble persona, reportedly studying proper Islamic
etiquette.
Exhibiting
confidence, serenity, and certainty often plays a significant role in
influencing other Muslim prisoners who may be less devout. Extremists also
benefit from aggressive prison cultures that valorise violence and moral
strength, giving them an advantage over individuals promoting more moderate and
tolerant messages, whether they are fellow prisoners or staff members.
In Indian
case, Thadiyantavida Nazeer, lodged in Parappana Agrahara jail in Bengaluru,
has been accused of leading radicalisation effort. In 2024, NIA recently
cracked the nexus. It was found that the seizure of arms was linked to
Thadiyantavida Nazir planning attacks by luring his fellow inmates to
terrorism.
(https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bengaluru-prison-radicalisation-case-nia-raids-multiple-places-across-seven-states/article67915765.ece)
Extremist
Preaching
Prison
radicalization doesn't necessarily entail the routine plotting of terrorist
acts behind bars, although isolated incidents have occurred. More commonly, it
results in inmates adopting Islamist ideologies that may eventually lead to
terrorism upon their release. Unfortunately, there's no simple solution to this
issue.
Prisons
serve as environments where disaffected and often violent individuals are
concentrated for state-imposed punishment. Such individuals are naturally
inclined toward ideologies that glorify anti-social and anti-state violence,
offering what appears to be clear, albeit intolerant, solutions to complex
issues of identity and belonging.
In Western
contexts, extremist recruitment is facilitated by the fact that many Muslim
prisoners (and even non-Muslims who convert) possess limited knowledge of
Islam. They can easily be persuaded that embracing rigid Islamist beliefs will
aid in breaking away from criminality, substance abuse, and alcoholism,
allowing them to start anew.
Additionally,
imprisoned extremists are often driven by charismatic figures who view
radicalizing others as a religious obligation and a means of combating the
West, effectively continuing their jihad from within prison. However, it's
important to keep this problem in perspective; many individuals who adopt
radical ideologies in prison, whether due to genuine conviction or pragmatic
reasons, often abandon these extremist beliefs upon reintegrating into
mainstream society.
Bengaluru Central
Prison: Fertile Jail For Radicalisation
The Hindu
had reported in detail the dangers of radicalisation in Bengaluru central
prison in July 2023.
The 2023
uncovering of an alleged terror module in the city has drawn attention to the
Parappana Agrahara Central Prison Complex, where several terror accused are
housed, sparking concerns about its potential as a breeding ground for
radicalization. Junaid, the key suspect in the terror module, was previously
incarcerated in the central prison on charges of murder and red sanders
smuggling. Allegedly, he was radicalized by a fellow inmate, T. Nazir, who is
reportedly linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and accused in the 2008 Bengaluru serial
blasts. Junaid purportedly orchestrated a terror module after being released on
bail.
This isn't
an isolated incident. Syed Abdul Rehman, another inmate with a criminal
background, was arrested in 2011 for murder and dacoity. He was allegedly
radicalized by two terror-accused inmates, Mohammed Fahad Khoya, a Pakistani
national, and Afsar Pasha, accused in the 2005 IISc attack. After Rehman was
released on bail, he reportedly organized a terror module, leading to his
eventual conviction along with the other two in February 2023.
The
emergence of two terror modules from within the central prison has raised
concerns within the State's security apparatus. it's common for inmates to
exchange ideas, and more hardened criminals often groom petty criminals. The
presence of highly radicalized terrorists within the prison, frustrated by
their inability to carry out actions, poses a significant risk. Career
criminals, once radicalized, become better suited to carrying out subversive
activities, as observed in multiple historical instances of terror module
recruitment.
Prison
management practices are also under scrutiny. Despite efforts to segregate
terror accused from other inmates, overcrowding poses challenges to effective
monitoring. However, plans for a new high-security prison, set to be
operational in the next eight months, offer hope for improved segregation and
management of terror suspects.
Additionally,
there is consideration for implementing a deradicalisation program for
extremist inmates. Former State intelligence chief Gopal Hosur emphasized the
importance of intelligence gathering within prisons to detect concerning
patterns of behaviour among inmates, such as secretive meetings or instances of
radicalization. Utilizing surveillance footage and human intelligence, coupled
with cooperation with state police, can help identify and address potential
threats proactively.
Countering
the Tide: Addressing Jail Radicalization
Jails, once
seen primarily as centres for punishment, have become unintended breeding
grounds for radicalization. The
isolation, lack of opportunity, and presence of charismatic extremists can
create a dangerous cocktail that fuels extremism. Fortunately, a multi-pronged approach can be
implemented to counter this threat.
1. Understanding the Susceptible:
The first
step is recognizing those most vulnerable to radicalization. Inmates lacking social support, struggling
with identity, or facing grievances against authority figures are prime targets
for extremist recruiters. Prison staff
trained to identify these vulnerabilities can flag at-risk individuals for
intervention.
2. Breaking the Echo Chamber:
Jails can
unwittingly create echo chambers for extremist ideologies. Limiting access to extremist materials and
propaganda is crucial. However, this
censorship should be balanced with access to diverse religious texts and
opportunities for open, respectful dialogue that challenges extremist
narratives.
3. Engaging With Moderate Religious
Scholars And Former Extremists Who Can Offer Alternative Perspectives Can Be
Highly Effective
4. Rehabilitation, not Just Incarceration:
Jails
should move beyond punishment and focus on rehabilitation. Programs promoting education, vocational
training, and social support equip inmates with the tools to reintegrate into
society productively. This reduces the
allure of extremist groups that offer a sense of belonging and purpose.
5. Building Resilience:
Deradicalization
programs play a vital role. These
programs should address the root causes of radicalization, such as social
alienation or lack of purpose. By
fostering critical thinking skills, empathy, and a sense of belonging to a
positive community, these programs can steer individuals away from extremist
ideologies.
6. Beyond the Walls:
The fight
against radicalization extends beyond prison walls. Collaboration between law enforcement, social
services, and community organizations is essential. Effective reintegration programs that provide
released inmates with housing, employment opportunities, and ongoing support
can prevent them from falling back into extremist circles.
Conclusion:
Addressing
jail radicalization requires a comprehensive approach. By identifying vulnerable individuals,
restricting access to extremist content, prioritizing rehabilitation, and
fostering resilience, we can counter the allure of extremist ideologies within
jails and promote a safer future for all.
References:
Due to lack
of literature in Indian contexts, the study was done using available sources
from the West. The studies referred have been given below:
Facts
and Fictions About Islam in Prison: Assessing Prisoner Radicalization in
Post-9/11 America Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, January 2013
British
and Lebanese Prisons: Are They Fertile Breeding Ground for Terrorism? Salim
Yaacoub, Journal of Strategic Security, Vol. 11, No. 3 (FALL 2018), pp. 79-92
(16 pages)
The
Danger of Prison Radicalization in the West, DECEMBER 2009, VOLUME 2, ISSUE 12,
Authors: JAMES BRANDON
https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/jihadist-radicalization-italian-prisons-primer-22401
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61234614
Defining
and Illustrating “Extremism” Using the Largest Investigation into Islam in
Prison, Matthew L. N. Wilkinson &Muzammil Quraishi,
https://doi.org/10.1080/1057610X.2023.2247620
Muslim
Radicalization in Prison: Responding with Sound Penal Policy or the Sound of
Alarm? from Part III - Islamophobia in Criminal Law and National Security Law,
Published online by Cambridge University Press:
29 September 2020
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/terror-module-busted-by-ccb-was-created-in-bengaluru-central-prison-by-2-men/article67097177.ece
https://www.unodc.org/pdf/criminal_justice/Handbook_on_VEPs.pdf
https://rm.coe.int/16806f9aa9
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A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir
V.P is a PhD scholar in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance
journalist.
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism