Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism (AOCE) received, Tuesday, the deputy chairman of domestic affairs at the European Commission and his accompanying delegation. During the visit, the director of AOCE explained the AOCE mechanism for monitoring all written, visual, or audio productions by extremist groups; highlighting AOCE responses to the delusive thoughts and extremist endeavors to promote making manual explosives, using weapons, waging lone-wolf attacks, and recruiting new followers. The delegation was briefed on the 13-language AOCE efforts, activities, and latest products; including videos, studies, books, and social media campaigns, and the most prominent issues focused on by AOCE researchers, including Islamophobia, refugees, and hate speech, in addition to the mechanisms of countering their repercussions on youth, families, and societies.
On their part, the European Commission delegates commended AOCE's efforts to eliminate the roots of deviant thought and to address youth directly through awareness campaigns. At the end of the visit, the delegation expressed its deep appreciation of AOCE efforts and publications, including books, magazines, reports, and visual productions that address vital matters of concern and several global issues and cope with the digital techniques exploited by extremist groups.