Can deradicalization programs reform 'would be' terrorists?

As debate rages on what we should do with four Twin Cities men facing federal terrorism charges, U.S. District Judge Michael Davis is hoping that Germany's de-radicalization program will provide some solutions to the problem of how to stop young men joining jihadist groups. BBC reporter Chris Vallance says that "custodial sentence" is certainly one solution but it doesn't root out terrorist groups targeting and recruiting isolated and disenfranchised U.S citizens.

Having seen first hand how de-radicalization programs work, Vallance shed some light on Germany and Europe's programs. The deprogramming of radical recruits has gained traction in Europe in recent years as hundreds of young people have left to join Middle Eastern militants.

The program has the flexibility to identify "a wide spectrum of people." Radical groups are sophisticated machines and can target a variety of people, so " it not just one group of Muslims or a particular person or indeed one particular narrative " that will trigger alarms in government agencies says Vallance.

And when people are introduced to the program it can be difficult to assess how effective the de-radicalization program has been to change people's attitudes and beliefs. Vallance says "It's very difficult to evaluate. You can do it qualitatively where you see what an individual believes before the program and then see how they are later."

In Britain, Vallance has met people who have been through the program. He says "Some of them have committed serious crimes and their world view has changed because of the program. But I've also met other people who have committed very serious offense and the program hasn't worked.'

The de-radicalization program has been controversial, civil rights groups are concerned that the program will unfairly target groups. In Britain, the program has been criticized by civil liberties groups claiming that it is " spying program on Muslims, and it targets people for their beliefs." Vallance says "It's a difficult balancing act. There needs to be a balance where we can protect the country from & as we have seen in Europe, some real threats and protect civil liberties and communities being unfairly targeted."

U.S Judge Michael Davis hopes to launch the first of its kind de-radicalization program in Minnesota, and his evaluation of the program will be a factor in the sentencing decision of the four Twin Cities men facing federal terrorism charges.

To hear the full conversation between Vallance and MPR News host Tom Weber use the audio player above.