Arun Kundnani, Adjunct Professor of Media, Culture, and Communication at New York University, says that the government’s Prevent counter-extremism strategy is all about targeting Muslims and stopping them speaking about politics.
In a recent speech given at a conference in London organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission, Professor Kundnani says:
- The government is trying to criminalise so-called “Islamist violence” while diverting attention away from state violence.
- Prevent has been resisted by Muslim communities as well as the public sector, but now the state is forcing the public sector to implement it by making it statutory.
- The “conveyor belt” theory which underpins Prevent – that extremist religious ideology leads to radicalisation and terrorism – is not backed by evidence.
- Radicalisation and terrorism is caused by events (such as the Iraq war).
- Prevent has led to the mass surveillance of Muslims.
- A broad anti-Prevent campaign is needed.
Add your comments below
Sign up for regular updates straight to your inbox
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
