‘Deradicalisation’ centre closed

Based in Pontourny in Indre-et-Loire, the centre was the only one of its kind in France.

“The centre was opened to provide an educational program for the reintegration of youths who have been radicalised or marginalised,” said the Ministry of the Interior in a press release.

The centre was opened in September 2016, and could accommodate up to 25 people. Only nine people had sought treatment at the centre since its opening, with none of them completing the course.

It was aimed at 18-30 year olds who had become radicalised by extremist ideologies.

“The experiment of a centre with open doors, where people can commit themselves voluntarily, has shown its limits. Despite the efforts of everyone involved, the centre has not been successful,” the Ministry of the Interior said.

In February, a French Senate committee report called the centre a ‘fiasco’, noting that it found the centre empty.

The government is looking into other avenues to combat radicalisation.

“We have not abandoned our cause and will look into alternatives. An ministerial committee will be assembled by the Prime Minister in Autumn,” the statement added.