From correspondents in London
August 21, 2008
THERE is no straightforward way to identify the typical British extremist, research conducted by the domestic intelligence agency MI5 shows, The Guardian newspaper reported today.
Citing an internal research document it had seen, the daily said that MI5 had found that the hundreds of known and suspected extremists analysed were "a diverse collection of individuals, fitting no single demographic profile, nor do they all follow a typical pathway to violent extremism''.
The researchers who wrote the report were said to have concluded that their results "challenge many of the stereotypes that are held about who becomes a terrorist and why''.
According to The Guardian, the research found that most of those analysed were British nationals, and many do not ardently follow their faith regularly, with some involved in drug-taking and prostitution.
The research also found that typically they were not particularly prone to mental health problems, while the majority of those over 30 who were involved in violent extremism were not loners but instead had strong relationships with children.
The Home Office (interior ministry) declined to comment on the report.
August 21, 2008
THERE is no straightforward way to identify the typical British extremist, research conducted by the domestic intelligence agency MI5 shows, The Guardian newspaper reported today.
Citing an internal research document it had seen, the daily said that MI5 had found that the hundreds of known and suspected extremists analysed were "a diverse collection of individuals, fitting no single demographic profile, nor do they all follow a typical pathway to violent extremism''.
The researchers who wrote the report were said to have concluded that their results "challenge many of the stereotypes that are held about who becomes a terrorist and why''.
According to The Guardian, the research found that most of those analysed were British nationals, and many do not ardently follow their faith regularly, with some involved in drug-taking and prostitution.
The research also found that typically they were not particularly prone to mental health problems, while the majority of those over 30 who were involved in violent extremism were not loners but instead had strong relationships with children.
The Home Office (interior ministry) declined to comment on the report.
Source: The Australian via the Guardian
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