A workshop on rehabilitation and reintegration of violent extremist offenders and on prison operational work, led by experienced treatment and security staff from the State Prison, was held this week in Bihać.

The aim of the workshop, held from 22 to 23 July, was to enhance the knowledge and skills of the staff from Bihać prison on the rehabilitation and preparation for release of violent extremist offenders and others prone to radicalisation.

The exchange of experiences, practices and lessons between prison staff is an important aspect in strengthening the rehabilitation and reintegration of violent extremist offenders, managing and mitigating security threats, and developing local knowledge, resources, and expertise.

Through real-life case studies, the participants focused on the signs of radicalisation, enhanced their skills in assessing risk and the needs of violent extremist offenders, and in providing support in the treatment and preparation for release of these offenders and others prone to radicalisation.

The security staff expanded their skills related to the collection, analysis, and sharing of information, in order to build sustainable mechanisms for preventing radicalisation in prisons and managing and mitigating security threats.

This activity was organised as part of the Council of Europe Project “Providing for effective reintegration of violent extremist offenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PER-VEO) - Phase I”, which is funded under the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025.