Sicherheitsbehördliche Ausstiegsarbeit mit Islamist*innen: Ein Erfahrungsbericht aus der Praxis zu Perspektiven, Herausforderungen und Entwicklungen

Deradicalization and disengagement work, or exit counseling for short, with Islamists is a central component of preventing and combating violent and non-violent extremism in Germany. In addition to numerous civil society initiatives and programs, governmental exit counseling services, especially those provided by security agencies, also play an important role. In contrast, however, experts disagree on the presumed disadvantages of security authorities’ exit work. This article examines the question of what the specific objections to exit counseling by the security authorities are and how these can be met, by presenting the practical experience of the deradicalization program “Competence Center against Extremism” (konex) run by the police in Baden-Württemberg at the State Office of Criminal Investigation (Landeskriminalamt BW). Furthermore, some central and current challenges and developments in Islamism and in practical work are discussed.