The Research, Information and Communications Unit (RICU) is a British government organisation that produces strategic communications on behalf of the Home Office. Created as part of the controversial counter-radicalisation strategy known as Prevent, is based in the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism (OSCT), in the Home Office's Westminster HQ.
Background and aims
Ricu was created in 2007 by Charles Farr. Farr, a former MI6 officer and head of the OSCT. Ricu was modelled on the Information Research Department (IRD), a clandestine Cold War propaganda programme run by the Home Office from 1948 until it was shut down in 1977. Counter-terrorism officials at the Home Office became aware of the work of the IRD after reading Frances Stonor Saunders' Cold War history book, Who Paid the Piper? (1999).
The target of Ricu's work are British Muslims, especially males, aged 15 to 39. The aim of Ricu’s work is to bring about "attitudinal and behavioural change" among young British Muslims as part of a counter-radicalisation programme. It is part of the government’s Strategic Communications which is described...
Cap'n Kong (slightretvrn)
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