France opens first deradicalisation centre

A redeveloped chateau in the north east of France has become the nation’s first Centre of Reinsertion and Citizenship, otherwise known as a ‘Deradicalisation Centre’. The centre in the quiet neighbourhood of Beaumont-en-Véron will house ten individuals, deemed susceptible to radicalisation by the French government. Watched by 25 staff members, the inmates, most of whom are young males under the age of 30, will be subject to military discipline and order. Separation work will aim to distance the group from radical influences, predominantly Islamic extremism, while an intense focus on the values of the French Republic will seek to initiate a ‘process of deradicalisation’. The French government plans to open 12 deradicalisation boot camps, one in each region of France, as part of a €40 million action plan against radicalisation and terrorism, following the numerous terrorist attacks of the last year.