{"id":27804,"date":"2017-06-30T18:52:38","date_gmt":"2017-06-30T17:52:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.positive.news\/?p=27804"},"modified":"2021-11-15T13:29:27","modified_gmt":"2021-11-15T13:29:27","slug":"leaving-hate-behind-global-movement-former-neo-nazis-helping-others-renounce-extremism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.positive.news\/society\/leaving-hate-behind-global-movement-former-neo-nazis-helping-others-renounce-extremism\/","title":{"rendered":"A global movement of former neo-Nazis is helping others renounce extremism"},"content":{"rendered":"

As surges of nationalism and incidents of hate crime are reported across the globe, a network of far right extremists who have renounced their views and resolved to help others, is growing too. Meet the \u2018formers\u2019<\/p>\n

Many in far right movements across Europe and beyond believe their time is coming. Despite voters rejecting far right candidates in elections this year in France and the Netherlands, this type of extremism continues to bubble away below the political surface. June alone saw the attack on worshippers leaving London\u2019s Finsbury Park mosque; police in Germany reporting a surge in hate crimes carried out by right wing extremists; and the success of a crowdfunding campaign<\/a> that aims to block boats carrying refugees crossing the Mediterranean.<\/p>\n

They might be a fractured mix of people with racist, misogynistic and antisemitic views, but extremist groups can be tempting to those who feel left behind by life and society.<\/p>\n

Nigel Bromage is co-founder of Exit UK, an independent organisation that helps people leave far right extremism. He used to front a violent neo-Nazi organisation and so knows all too well the techniques that recruiters use. \u201cI\u2019ve worked with young people who are simply lost or from fractured homes and looking for love, understanding and compassion. Extremists manipulate these things to get people involved,\u201d Bromage tells Positive News.<\/p>\n

The Exit movement began in Norway in 1997, followed by organisations in Germany and Sweden. Now, there are at least eight groups worldwide, from the US to Germany, providing support for neo-Nazis who want to leave. And governments increasingly recognise the role that \u2018formers\u2019 have to play.<\/p>\n

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So how does it work? \u201cIt\u2019s tailored to each client,\u201d explains Robert \u00d6rell, director at Exit Sweden, \u201cbut it can be very practical: helping people get rid of tattoos, move house, get a job or to attend meetings with social authorities. We also offer emotional support in a non-judging environment. My background means I can understand these people, why they joined, and they trust people with similar experiences. I know it\u2019s possible to change. I can help people make the same move.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the past 20 years, the Exit movement has become much better equipped. Frequent international meet-ups allow the sharing of the \u2018science\u2019 of deradicalisation: what is it that makes people vulnerable to the grip of extreme groups?<\/p>\n

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“I know it’s possible to change. I can help people make the same move.” Illustration: S\u00e9bastien Thibault<\/p><\/div>\n

ExitUSA, which is run by an organisation called Life After Hate, sows the seeds of doubt in extremists\u2019 minds. \u201cWe use social media to deliver our messages and videos to a very tight demographic, our ideal target audience, based on their Facebook likes, music and groups,\u201d explains Tony McAleer, executive director of Life After Hate.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of it hinges on triggering disillusionment. People might say this \u2018great\u2019 stuff about life in the movement, but I know from experience that if you\u2019re disconnected from your humanity, a lot of things in life aren\u2019t going to be functioning. We use messaging such as \u2018don\u2019t get fooled like we were\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen people are in the honeymoon phase of being in these groups \u2013 because they are incredibly powerful \u2013 there might be nothing we can say to change their perspective. But that will change. I say to people: \u2018When you realise how dysfunctional it is, you get tired and burned out, and your relationships suck, I will still be here. I\u2019ll wait for you.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

From Sweden to the US, read first-hand accounts from four \u2018formers\u2019 who are now using their experiences inside neo-Nazi movements to help others<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Main image: Illustration by S\u00e9bastien Thibault<\/em><\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This article is featured in issue 89 of Positive News magazine.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Become a\u00a0subscriber member<\/a> to receive Positive News magazine delivered to your door, plus you’ll get access to exclusive member benefits.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As surges of nationalism and incidents of hate crime are reported across the globe, a network of far right extremists who have renounced their views and resolved to help others, is growing too. 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