De-radicalisation and Integration Legal & Policy Framework in Slovenia

This report focuses on the legal aspects of the phenomenon of radicalisation, de-radicalisation, and counter-radicalisation in Slovenia. The socio-political and cultural context of the country is presented, as well as its constitutional framework and key legislation on (de- and counter-) radicalisation and fundamental freedoms. The report emphasizes the fact that according to internationally established indicators, Slovenia is one of the safest countries in the world. Slovenian legislation rarely employs terms such as radicalization, de-radicalization, extremism, etc. Moreover, the report finds that Slovenia, unlike some other European countries, has not established preventive counter-radicalization programmes or curative de-radicalization schemes. The report features an analysis of Article 297 of the Criminal Code prohibiting incitement to hatred and discrimination based on personal circumstances, i. e. sanctioning what is known as hate speech. The report argues that hate speech is the best indicator of radicalisation in Slovenia where despite the absence of extreme violence and terrorist attacks, xenophobic, homophobic and Islamophobic speech is on the rise, as are anti-immigrant far-right groups. In conclusion, the report maintains that an amendment of Article 297 is needed, suggesting the possible short- and long-term strategies of counter-radicalisation of Slovenian society.