On October 4 and 5, 2022, the Regional Conference “Towards successful management, rehabilitation and post-sentence assistance for Violent Extremist Prisoners (VEP) in the Western Balkans – achievements and the way forward” was held by the Council of Europe with representatives of the European Union, representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Directorate of Prisons, the State Police and other institutions related to the issues.

The conference discussed the effective management of violent extremist prisoners, specific intervention and rehabilitation programs, pre-release strategies and exit practices, as well as challenges and lessons learned from the work of the panel part of wich has been the director of the CVE Center Mr. Denion Meidani, who spoke about the methodology of managing extremist prisoners, preventing the progress of violent extremism in prisons, as well as interventions aimed at stopping the involvement of extremist prisoners in acts of violence and facilitating reintegration them in the community after the end of the sentence.

He stated that extremism undermines peace and security, human rights and sustainable development and that no country or region is immune from its effects. According to Mr. Meidani, all parties involved should be called upon to contribute to a comprehensive and integrated approach by addressing key prison management policies and mechanisms such as the need for: general prison conditions which must be in line with international standards, non-discriminatory treatment of convicts, professional training of prison staff, continuous rehabilitation and social reintegration through support after release, etc.

The conference also discussed the achievements and challenges related to rehabilitation, preparations for release and assistance after serving the sentence in the conditions of the Western Balkans. The importance of the family and their employment after serving the sentence in the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners was also emphasized.