Denmark is debating how to prevent the radicalization of young people as Islamic extremism gains a greater foothold in Europe.
Last February, an Islamic extremist shot and killed two people in Copenhagen, a wakeup call for many to the growing influence of radical Islam in Denmark. Several young Danish men have also left the country to become fighters for the Islamic State (ISIL) in Iraq and Syria.
The country has established an Anti-Radicalization Task Force in an effort to address the issue, but many believe that the country must do more to prevent the influence of radicalization.
Denmark Parliament Member Fatma Oktem thinks that banning radical extremist Muslim clerics could offer a solution.
“It’s very important that people who are talking about religion can talk about peace and harmony and integration, not about hate,” she said.
One of the groups government officials point to as a radicalizing force is Hizb ut Tahrir, an international political organization that supports establishing Sharia law and a worldwide caliphate.
Many Danish lawmakers hoped to ban the group, alleging that its rhetoric is violent, but national courts ruled they could not do so.
Hizb ut Tahrir has said young people identify with their platform because they feel marginalized by Danish society.
Warm up questions
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What is propaganda?
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How are extremism and terrorism related?
Critical thinking questions
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How do terrorist groups work to make their message appealing?
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What circumstances could make someone more likely to become extremist?
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How can Denmark work to counter extremist rhetoric?
