Evaluation of prison de-radicalization practices and risk assessment tools in Spain

Abstract

This evaluative report addresses the practical implementation of counter-radicalization measures in Spain while candidly documenting major methodological challenges. It contrasts the complete lack of cooperation and institutional opacity encountered at the central state level with the open, transparent collaboration provided by Catalan prison authorities. Drawing on specialized academic literature and interviews with Catalan leadership, the report evaluates the actual scope of jihadist radicalization in Spanish prisons, emphasizing that incarceration acts as a risk factor primarily by triggering personal identity crises and forcing vulnerability-driven group alliances.

Key data / Highlights

“Institutional opacity at the central state level: The research team faced severe access restrictions and non-cooperation from the central Spanish prison administration.
Transparency in the Catalan system: Catalan prison authorities provided full research access, demonstrating proactive sharing of operational data and treatment methodologies.
Limited scale of in-prison radicalization: Empirical data shows that only a small minority of convicted jihadists were actually radicalized while serving time in prison.
Incarceration as a catalyst for vulnerability: Prison environments trigger radicalization primarily by causing identity crises, social isolation, and an urgent need for physical protection through group affinity.”