The UK scheme has long had its critics, but now even the review looking at how to overhaul it is facing criticism. Why is the debate around Prevent so heated?
Since its inception two decades ago, Prevent, part of the UK government’s counter-terrorism strategy, has attracted controversy. Its aim is to ensure that those at risk of radicalisation can be stopped and turned away from extremist ideologies, reducing terrorist attacks.
For many years there have been criticisms that Prevent has impinged on civil liberties, and has discriminated against Muslims.
And, the Guardian’s crime correspondent, Vikram Dodd, tells Nosheen Iqbal, with increasing numbers of referrals to Prevent concerning the far right, there have been growing criticisms it has lost its way.
