Young terrorism suspects could avoid prosecution in plan for diversion scheme
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Hopes reforms will deter young people from extremism amid rise in arrests of under-18s for offences. Young terrorism suspects could avoid prosecution if they agree to a diversion scheme, in a new government plan to cope with the post-lockdown surge in youngsters drawn to violent extremism.
The youth diversion orders are part of a host of terrorism reforms announced by the Labour government, including a new tsar to ensure Prevent – the official scheme to deter people from terrorism – is as effective as it needs to be. Ministers claimed they were providing new money to fight terrorism.
The original plan for youth diversion orders was devised by Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, and revealed by the Guardian almost two years ago. The plan is driven by concerns that tackling child terror suspects with powerful terrorism laws stigmatises them when they are not yet fully mature.
Counter-terrorism officials believe that a section of those arrested, while clearly breaking terrorism laws for having online material such as terrorism manifestos, pose little threat of staging an attack. The days of terror suspects being driven primarily by a clear ideology are long gone, with most either showing no ideology or it being unclear.
Thus suspects, especially those aged 17 or under, lack a strong commitment to an ideological cause, with a substantial amount having mental health or other vulnerabilities that make them more susceptible to terrorist propaganda. Key details of the plan are still unclear. Some with knowledge of government discussions believe it will offer an alternative to prosecution, others believe it may lead to youngsters being compelled to take part in Prevent, which until now, has been voluntary.
