In Lebanon’s largest prison, two unlikely allies—Aya Yamout and Father Marwan Ghanem—are reshaping how extremist inmates are rehabilitated. Both work to reduce radicalization in Block B of Roumieh prison, a notorious wing housing jihadist militants. But while their methods differ, their shared focus is on human dignity, not ideology.
Aya Yamout’s Secular Approach to Deradicalization
Aya Yamout, cofounder of the Lebanese NGO Rescue Me, believes true reform begins with human connection, not religious debate. Her approach to deradicalization combines therapy and care, steering clear of religious arguments. She found that discussing religion often deepens divisions and ignores the core social or psychological reasons behind extremism.
Since 2011, Yamout has worked with over 750 prisoners, using methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, aggression replacement training, and EMDR. She classifies extremists into four groups based on motives like revenge, religious or political frustration, and psychopathy. Her track record is strong—only ten former prisoners returned to terrorism. But after budget cuts and her move to the UK for a PhD in 2024, she asked Catholic priest Marwan Ghanem to continue her work—with one condition: go slow with religion.
Yamout stresses that social factors such as poverty, trauma, and prison overcrowding often fuel radicalization more than ideology. She focuses on personal transformation and second chances, seeing hope even in those convicted of terrorism.
Father Ghanem’s Faith-Based, Human-Centered Work
Father Ghanem, president of Lebanon’s Prison Fellowship International, uses Christian teachings—specifically the story of Zaccheus—to promote repentance and restoration. Despite religious differences, he earned inmates’ trust by helping them with medical needs and advocating for their rights. His message focuses on love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, often resonating with Muslim extremists when framed through shared values.
He insists that justice isn’t just punishment but also restoring relationships with victims and society. Some former militants under his care have apologized to victims or spoken out against violence. Ghanem’s compassionate ministry includes Syrians and Lebanese inmates, often uniting rival sects through basic shared needs.
Different Paths, Shared Mission
Despite ideological differences, Yamout and Ghanem found common ground in treating prisoners with empathy and consistency. Both believe deradicalization requires patience, respect, and seeing prisoners as people first.
Critics of religious approaches fear potential indoctrination or politicization, while detractors of secular methods worry they ignore spiritual transformation. Supporters say each method fills a critical gap the other can’t.
Together, they prove that deradicalization in Lebanon’s prisons thrives not through conversion, but compassion.
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The Priest and Social Worker Deradicalizing Jihadists in Prison
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