Prison de-radicalization strategies, programmes and risk assessment tools in Germany

Abstract

This report provides a thorough overview of Germany’s decentralized, federal approach to preventing and countering radicalization within its prison estate. Because execution of sentences falls under the jurisdiction of the individual federal states (Länder), the document contrasts the varying legal definitions, prison regimes, and preventive strategies across the country. It covers interventions directed against both Islamic extremism and right-wing extremism, detailing how different states handle the allocation of extremist prisoners, staff training, and partnerships with civil society organizations for rehabilitation.

Key data / Highlights

Federal divergence in policy execution: Because prison policy is managed at the state level (Länder), strategies, resources, and risk tools vary considerably across the federal territory.
Dual focus on Islamist and far-right threats: German strategies explicitly address both Islamist extremism and deeply rooted right-wing extremist networks within the prison population.
Commitment to the normalization principle: Most federal states avoid specialized high-security isolation units, choosing standard housing to prevent the formation of martyrdom subcultures.
Heavy dependence on civil society partners: Specialized non-governmental organizations play a critical role in delivering prevention, deradicalization, and exit-program interventions.