Winterthur finally introduces the specialist in extremism – Zurich – Limmattal

For a year and a half, the Center for the Prevention of Extremism and Violence (FSEG) advises, among other things, parents, teachers and teachers who fear that a person is becoming radicalized. In addition, it organizes trainings, networks of key persons and maintains exchanges with other specialized organizations

Model for the rest of Switzerland

The lower threshold contact point, equipped with a workload of 80%, was until the end of 2018 temporary. Now the city council has decided to continue it. "Through monitoring and networking, problematic developments are quickly recognized," says Galladé. The project proved its worth, led to a notable relaxation of the population and became a model throughout Switzerland.

Winterthur's experiences have been incorporated into the national action plan "Fighting Radicalization and Violent Extremism" (NAP) Cantons, cities and municipalities have been adopted. "It's a confirmation for us," says Galladé. Thanks to the action plan, there is now an information center.
"At first I was all alone in this subject," says Urs Allemann, head of the FSEG. During the start-up phase, he mainly exchanged views with the City of Zurich's Violence Prevention Department (FfG) and Bern's Office of Radicalization. However, they focus less strongly on Islamic extremism, as Winterthur has done so far. The social worker welcomes PAN's recommendation to establish other points of contact. "I can then refer more often to calls outside the canton." Without a local network, counseling would be difficult

Five police officers involved

The purpose of his work is to prevent people at risk from crossing the border. red line between legal and illegal extremism. Anyone who cultivates radical ideas, provokes them or violates social norms, does not commit a criminal offense. However, anyone who breaks the law goes beyond the red line and must be reported to the police. "It's not always easy to make decisions on this red line," explains the director of the house Allemann. He considers it useful to be able to confidentially discuss sensitive cases with experts of the police protection service of the city, and then to issue them as appropriate. Over the past year and a half, he has made five serious signs of violence, of self or other threats. In the end, a case actually had an Islamist origin.

Since taking office, Allemann has received 76 inquiries. 52 came from professionals, 16 from private individuals and 8 from parents. For example, a teacher from VET contacted a veiled student and faced religion. She prophesied to a Muslim colleague that she would go to hell if she did not follow the Islamic commandments. Finally, Allemann prepared a conversation with the student and parents with the teacher and facilitated a workshop with the teaching team on provocative religious statements.