BBC Radio 4 LW

The Report

Factual

Original insights into major news stories and topical investigations

The current affairs series combining original insights into major news stories with topical investigations

The Report: Changing Jihadi Minds

Changing Jihadi Minds

03/12/2015

BBC Radio 4 - The Report, Changing Jihadi Minds

The secretive counter-extremism programme known as Channel is investigated by John Ware.

Suspected extremists, even children, are now routinely referred to a secretive state programme called Channel. Journalist John Ware meets some of those who have been involved.

How do you go about trying to change a person's fundamental beliefs? And how do you decide who is in need of state intervention to do so?

Public sector workers now have a legal obligation to refer suspected Islamist and far right extremists to a local body known as a Channel panel. Referees deemed to hold extremist views are offered ideological mentoring, usually on a voluntary basis.

The government says its Channel deradicalisation programme is a success, helping prevent vulnerable people from being drawn into terrorism. But some British Muslims see it as a Big Brotherish state spying operation, wreathed in secrecy and suspicion. John Ware enters the "pre-criminal space" to find out - from the inside - how Channel works.

Producer: Simon Maybin
Researcher: Kirsteen Knight.

BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Report

Changing Jihadi Minds

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4