In the UK, a duel to hold ‘Prevent’ to account

Muslim men are social distanced as they gather to pray.
Muslim men are social distanced as they gather to pray at Minhaj-ul-Quran Mosque, at the start of Eid al-Adha, in London, the UK [Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP Photo]

What does ‘Prevent’ prevent? The United Kingdom’s government says the programme is key to counterterrorism and protecting vulnerable people. Human rights organizations and Muslim groups say it is surveillance and counterproductive.

After years in operation, the government will release an independent review of Prevent – but it has been boycotted by hundreds of organizations. Instead, many participated in a ‘people’s review’ of Prevent.

So what does a tale of two reviews tell us about the future of Prevent?

In this episode: 

  • Layla Aitlhadj, Director of Prevent Watch
  • John Holmwood, author, “Countering Extremism in British Schools?: The Truth about the Birmingham Trojan Horse Affair”

Credits:

This episode was produced by Alexandra Locke and Negin Owliaei, with Ney Alvarez, Ruby Zaman, Amy Walters, and Halla Mohieddeen, in for Malika Bilal. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan and our engagement producers are Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad. 

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Source: Al Jazeera

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