The media often fall under the influence of terrorists, said the OSCE Secretary Genera

Astana. June 11. Silkroadnews - The media often fall under the influence of terrorist groups, rather than to counter the spread of extremist ideology. This was stated by the OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier, reported KazTAG.
"Extremists often cleverly manipulate the media and the internet in particular. The media fall under the influence of terrorist groups. But the media, on the contrary, can be an effective method of preventing the spread of the ideology of violence. That's why, when we combine our efforts in the framework of the general problem of protecting our society from violent extremism, it also means we work with the media", - said L. Zannier at the V Congress of leaders of world and traditional religions on Thursday.
According to him, religious leaders, civil society organizations and state agencies could make a significant contribution to the prevention of radicalization.
"Religious leaders can play a positive role in terms of the issues that are associated with the most vulnerable layers in our society, especially with young people who may be victims of extremist ideologies. It is necessary to solve their material and spiritual needs more effectively, it will help to strengthen their identity, which in turn will help to prevent the marginalization and possible radicalization. Religious institutions and, in particular, many civil society organizations represent a good opportunity to prevent the radicalization of young people", - he stressed.
"Secondly, religious extremism and fanaticism often are products of misinterpretation of religious texts and teachings, so we need to improve the overall religious education and education of religious leaders in particular", - summed up L. Zannier.