What is the purpose of prison: to punish offenders or to reform them? Should we lock people up and throw away the key, or should we try to turn them into future model citizens? It’s a question that has been pondered over the centuries by great legal minds around the world – and a variation on it was discussed in the UAE this week.
The Federal National Council has approved legislation that will see a certain type of offender – those who are forced or coerced into committing or planning acts of terrorism – sentenced to “guidance camps” rather than regular prison.
FNC member for Ajman, Ali Al Nuaimi, explained that the law could be applied to first offenders, and some second offenders “who were misled or pushed by others, or were under certain circumstances, and yet appear to be capable to get back to the right path”. Mr Al Nuaimi said that those deemed to be able to become good citizens would receive counselling. A report on their progress would be issued to prosecutors, who would advise the court on whether and when the person should be released.
The legislation – part of a broader antiterrorism law – comes on the back of concerns that some people may be lured into joining extremist organisations that pose a threat to the state.
There is evidence that the Care Rehabilitation Centre in Saudi Arabia has met with some success in its mission to reintegrate former jihadists into the mainstream culture. Inmates there receive religious instruction in which extremist interpretations of the Quran are deconstructed and debunked. According to a 2010 report in the Peace & Conflict Monitor, it had a recidivism rate of 10 per cent. In other words, 90 per cent of people admitted into the programme were “cured”.
While there are no indications that radicalisation is a major problem in the UAE, this legislation takes a sensible and measured approach in recognising that not every extremist is the same. Recruiters for radical groups typically prey on those who may not necessarily share, or even understand, the extremist ideology being foisted upon them. It would be much better for them to be brought back into the fold of mainstream society rather than be locked up among those who pose a genuine threat to the UAE and its much-prized way of life.