Streetwork against Salafism: German civil society counter-radicalisation activism

In recent years, civil society-led efforts to prevent Muslim youths’ turn to Salafism have intensified. Often described in terms of ‘preventing violent extremism’ (PVE) or ‘preventing radicalisation’, many of these projects have attracted generous funding by state agencies. Germany is perhaps the paradigmatic case of this development: through successive government funding initiatives, the country has…

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Play exploring the Trojan Horse scandal aims to hear the voices of the Birmingham Muslim community

This August, a documentary play based on over two hundred interviews from over ninety witnesses, including some of the teachers, pupils, parents, and governors involved, will explore the Trojan Horse scandal. Its writers say it aims to give a voice to the Muslim community in Birmingham traumatised by the events.

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France’s World Cup victory: ‘we can be black, Muslim, and French’

“Liberté, egalité, Mbappé!” After France’s World Cup victory, the French slogan was rewritten to celebrate a winning goal by a 19-year-old player from the Paris suburbs who is donating his World Cup fee to charity because, he says, it is such an honor to play for his national team. As Myriam Francois wrote, “Sunday was an important…

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Mixed reactions after Muslim rapper booked to play at Bataclan

The controversial rapper Médine will perform two shows in October at the Bataclan. The 35-year French-Algerian Muslim, who describes himself as an “Islamo-racaille” (“Islamo-hooligan”), is known for his provocative songs about Islam and laïcité. The controversy stems from his 2005 album Jihad, the Greatest Battle Is Against Oneself, which includes calls to “crucify secularists like…

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Ramadan: elementary school offers a midday room for fasting students

The recent decision by Emile Bockstael Elementary School to invite Ramadan students to return home at table time had sparked controversy. Since, the children concerned benefit from specially equipped premises. “I was stopped by a child the day before the beginning of the fast and I asked what was done the other years because I…

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