Potential Troublemakers: Open to Help, Says Criminologist
In conversation with dpa, Britta Bannenberg, a criminologist from Giessen, shared her views on extremist or radical offenders. These individuals, who often harbor violent fantasies, may well be open to help, according to Bannenberg. If they haven't acted yet or can be stopped, they are receptive, she said.
This week, an 18-year-old right-wing extremist from Hesse, suspected of planning an attack, was remanded in custody. The attack was averted at its initial stage, as per Interior Minister Peter Beuth (CDU). The individual had repeatedly threatened, in relevant forums, to harm people in pursuit of his political goals. There were no mentions of possible accomplices or networks in the statement from the State Office of Criminal Investigation and the public prosecutor's office in Frankfurt; these crucial details remained unanswered.
Bannenberg emphasized that lone offenders are both behaviorally and mentally conspicuous. They struggle to manage their lives and react destructively and irrationally to their violent fantasies. However, if approached about these fantasies, they are often receptive to help and support.
The professor at Justus Liebig University stated that lone offenders spend a significant amount of their time on the internet. It's there that they are radicalized, which intensifies their hate, death, and violence-related interests. Fortunately, there's a vast gap between those who rant about violence online and those who actually carry out attacks.
Bannenberg pointed out that sometimes, the police become aware of dangerous offenders due to luck and coincidence. Sometimes, there are clues from the social environment, such as threats in online chats and social media or strange behavior in real life.
The Amok Prevention Advisory Network at the University of Giessen receives information not only about potential school shooters but also about potential lone terrorists who may be planning something. These individuals are often adults who have experienced strange encounters with colleagues, employees, or customers at employment agencies, job centers, companies, or authorities.
Whistleblowers often fear calling the police directly, believing they might suspect the wrong person. They might be afraid of becoming the first target or fear being misunderstood. However, these individuals are often reassured that their concerns are valid and important.
In light of the rising extremist ideas online, it's crucial to address potential lone extremist offenders. These individuals are often consumed by hate and violence-related content on the internet but can be receptive to help and intervention before they escalate to harmful actions. However, crime and extremism are complex issues, requiring more research and support to effectively identify and assist these individuals early on.
Early intervention and support can significantly help potential lone extremist offenders by addressing their root causes, providing alternative narratives, promoting digital literacy, and offering mental health support. Collaboration between governments, civil society organizations, religious institutions, and tech companies is necessary to effectively counter radicalization and reduce the likelihood of lone-wolf attacks.
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Early intervention and support can help address the root causes of radicalization and prevent individuals from becoming lone-wolf offenders. This can be achieved through various strategies:
- Counter-Radicalization Efforts:
- Counter-narratives can challenge extremist content on digital platforms and dominate online spaces with constructive alternatives.
- Community engagement programs can foster a sense of belonging and offer positive alternatives to extremist ideologies.
- Digital Literacy:
- Educational campaigns can teach users to critically evaluate online content, resisting radicalization.
- Mental Health Support:
- Providing mental health support and counseling can help address underlying issues that contribute to radicalization.
- Support Services:
- Hotlines like Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) and Step Together helpline (1800 875 204) offer 24/7 support to users experiencing radicalization.
By implementing these strategies, early intervention and support can radically reduce the likelihood of individuals becoming drawn into extremist ideologies and reduce the risk of lone-wolf attacks.
