Islam in European prisons is often framed primarily as a security concern and a potential breeding ground for radicalisation. However, new doctoral research by BIRMM member Elias Woodbridge (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) paints a more nuanced picture. Based on ethnographic research in Flemish prisons, Woodbridge shows that for many Muslim men in detention, religion is not a risk factor but a source of meaning, structure, and emotional support. Through interviews and field observations, the study highlights how practices such as prayer, fasting, and mutual support can help individuals cope with the challenges of prison life and reflect on their future. At the same time, the research shows how decades of political debate linking Islam to extremism have shaped both public discourse and prison policy, often leading to a narrow security-focused view of Muslim religious practice.
Read the full press release here: https://press.vub.ac.be/islam-in-belgian-prisons-vub-research-nuances-radicalisation-focus