Gulf | Saudi Arabia
Saudi university turns to TV to fight terror
As part of Saudi Arabia's constant endeavour to root out terrorism from its soil, universities and educational institutions have joined hands with the authorities to implement several initiatives aimed at alerting students to the dangers of extremist ideologies.
- By Mariam Al Hakeem, Correspondent
- Published: 23:54 November 13, 2008
Riyadh: As part of Saudi Arabia's constant endeavour to root out terrorism from its soil, universities and educational institutions have joined hands with the authorities to implement several initiatives aimed at alerting students to the dangers of extremist ideologies.
The Riyadh-based Imam Mohammad Bin Saud Islamic University's plan to launch a satellite channel to combat terror is the latest instance of such a programme.
Dr Sulaiman Abal Khail, rector of the university, said the satellite channel would be dedicated to countering extremist ideas from the minds of citizens, especially the younger generation.
Addressing a function at the university, Khail said the scope of the university's exclusive channel for its distance education courses would be expanded to suit its new role.
"We are awaiting official sanction for the same. Once the approval comes, the channel will benefit all students of the university as well as members of the academic faculty and other staff besides the general public," he said.
The university's programme will run alongside a counselling programme being implemented by the Ministry of Interior to sensitise and rehabilitate terrorist sympathisers as part of a self-described "war of ideas" against extremism in the kingdom.
Hundreds of young Saudi detainees returned to the mainstream as a result of programmes conducted by the ministry at various prisons in the kingdom.
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