Abstract
It is essential to understand what personal factors contribute to the process of radicalization in order to implement a high-quality de-radicalization intervention in the prison environment. Exploratory research in the Czech prisons was performed to map the representation of different types of radicalization and specific psycho-social characteristics of people in the risk of radicalization.
Based on the relevant literature in the field of radicalization, the following categories of information were identified to be explored: Demographic data, family, social background, personal history, personal characteristics, behavioral characteristics, and process of radicalization. Required information were gathered from personal records of the prisoners. 67 male inmates from 18 prisons in the Czech Republic were labeled, by psychologists and other prison personnel, as reporting signs of the process of radicalization.
Their personal records were included in the research study. Qualitative and quantitative data from the files were organised and gathered in prepared forms according to the previously mentioned categories.
Four different types of radicalization were recognised based on the motivation of the inmates behaviour: Right-wing (n=32), Islamic (n=11), individual (n=4), and left-wing (n=2). The type identification was not possible in 18 cases due to insufficient information.
All types of radicalization were linked with negative evaluation of resocialization potential, social pathology, and mental disorders (personality disorders, alcohol or drug dependence, and anxiety). Right-wing oriented inmates were more likely to be radicalized through their friends outside of prison, whereas islamic radicals in the prison environment.
Further analysis is needed for better understanding of the situation.