Europeans afraid of post-Covid-19 violence

Shaimaa Hefzi

European societies are still shuddering at the prospect of the scope of terrorism getting wider within them.

The coronavirus crisis has, meanwhile, added a new dimension to these fears. The crisis increased tensions and uncertainties in these societies. The same crisis is casting its shadows over the economic situation in the continent which can lead to more violence at the end.

Terrorism and extremism have been main threats and a source of conflict and instability in the region of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The coronavirus is also making it necessary for member states of the organization to keep track of its effects on these two phenomena.

Extremist groups, including Islamists and far rightists, have shown an ability to make use of uncertainties in this regard. These groups apparently plan to use them in drawing in more recruits and spreading hate and violence.

Conspiracy theory

Extremist groups have been promoting the conspiracy theory, ever since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis around the world. They especially focus on minorities and migrants.

These groups have been using the internet in inciting hatred and spreading false news.

There are fears, meanwhile, from the ability of extremists to develop a new set of goals in response to the pandemic.

Violating basic freedoms in relations to the lack of services, researchers say, can make some people turn into easy targets for recruitment efforts by extremist groups.

Counterterrorism think tanks call on the international community to play a more vibrant role in taking human rights into account while fighting terrorism and terrorist groups.

Teenagers

The same think tanks call for paying special attention to teenagers.

This comes against the background of the use of teenagers in extremist content on the internet.

In the UK, security agencies tracked down children less than 13 years old, who promote terrorist attacks, against the background of the Covid-19 pandemic.