Germany debates Islamist deradicalization programs after Berlin attack

Key points

• A 21-year-old suspected Islamist attacker, Abdul B., was killed by police after the Berlin Pride event attack, officials said.
• Abdul B. had two interviews for a Berlin deradicalization program, but Violence Prevention Network director Thomas Mücke said he showed no genuine wish to leave Islamism.
• The Islamism Exit Program, founded in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2014, supports people seeking to leave Islamist circles, including some considered security threats.
• Counselors said younger people are increasingly radicalized through digital media, while candidates may be referred by prisons, police or youth courts.
• Successful cases require sustained counseling until individuals reject violence and can manage crises independently; one case lasted seven years, counselors said.
• Education Minister Karin Prien plans to restructure Live Democracy! funding, potentially ending support for about 200 projects and affecting 23 BAG RelEx member organizations.