A clear definition and division of institutional roles and well-defined operational procedures among prisons, probation services, and other relevant stakeholders are essential for an effective inter-agency co-operation in the efforts to prevent radicalisation and violent extremism. This can ensure a co-ordinated and continuous approach to the management of violent extremist prisoners (VEPs), their preparation for release, and rehabilitation and reintegration into local communities.

This was one of the key conclusion of the workshop on identifying the needs of VEPs and offenders in Montenegro during pre-release preparation, post-penal rehabilitation and reintegration. The workshop was organised in partnership with the Office of Montenegro’s National Co-ordinator for prevention and countering violent extremism, the Ministry of Interior and the Directorate for Execution of Criminal Sanctions - Ministry of Justice in Montengro.

The workshop was attended by representatives from the correctional facilities, probation services, local communities, relevant ministries, and domestic operational teams for prevention and countering of violent extremism (P/CVE). They gained greater insights into the necessary procedures for preparing prisoners for release, as well as the procedures to be undertaken after release. These procedures contribute to strengthening the capacity to provide support for the rehabilitation and reintegration of VEPs, as well as other prisoners vulnerable to radicalisation in Montenegro.

The discussions during the workshop identified areas for improvement in existing mechanisms for inter-institutional co-operation and information exchange. They explored ways to strengthen co-operation between the services responsible for preparing prisoner for release and providing support in local communities following the completion of their sentence.

Of particular importance was the exchange of experiences with peer colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who shared good practices, expertise, and practical knowledge in the management of VEPs, their preparation for release and their subsequent rehabilitation, reintegration, and resocialisation within local communities. They also presented examples in providing support to families of foreign terrorist fighters-returnees from the foreign battel fields. The experiences shared by the colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina, from the prison sector and the social protection sector, were very valuable to other peers contributing in the efforts to strengthen inter-institutional co-ordination and information exchange.

The regional action will continue to further build institutional capacities in Montenegro to successfully develop preventive and response mechanisms in the context of radicalisation and violent extremism.

The Workshop was organised by the regional action “Enhancing co-operation in the Western Balkans in managing violent extremism in prisons and preventing further radicalisation after release”, under the auspices of the European Union and the third phase of the Horizontal Facility programme.