Reconciliation Program: 390 Stories of Repentance and New Beginnings After Terrorism
In a move reflecting the success of efforts aimed at reintegrating inmates convicted of extremism and terrorism, the 17th edition of the rehabilitation program “Reconciliation” concluded at Salé local prison. The event was attended by numerous officials, experts, and representatives of partner institutions.
Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammadia League of Scholars and head of the Reconciliation Center, revealed that 390 inmates have benefited from this program since its inception, praising the positive outcomes achieved in the current edition, which included 26 inmates.
Abbadi explained that the “Reconciliation” program is based on three main pillars: self-reconciliation with the help of psychological specialists, social reconciliation through legal and human rights frameworks that aim to enhance inmates’ understanding of state institutions and their legislation, and reconciliation with religious texts, supervised by qualified scholars who clarify the true tenets of religion, away from extremist interpretations.
For his part, Abdel Wahid Jamali Idrissi, general coordinator of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Reintegration of Prisoners, emphasized the program’s uniqueness in its targeted demographic and diverse facilitators, highlighting that it represents an alternative to rigid security approaches by focusing on dialogue and dissociating from extremist ideas.
Hicham Malati, Director of Criminal Affairs and Pardons at the Ministry of Justice, stated that the “Reconciliation” program signifies a turning point in criminal policy, contributing to new opportunities for inmates by encouraging positive engagement within society.
The closing ceremony featured the presentation of participation certificates to the beneficiaries, a documentary video showcasing the course’s activities, and cultural performances by the participants, including traditional praise art and rap music.
In their testimonials, several inmates affirmed the profound impact of the program on their intellectual and cognitive trajectories, underscoring the importance of a correct understanding of religion and openness to legal and psychological knowledge to build a mental resilience that protects against extremist tendencies.
