– Self-radicalised S’porean identified as white supremacist
– Restriction order under ISA for self-radicalised S’porean white supremacist.

Accident – death – Obituary News :

Singaporean Teen Radicalised by Online Far-Right Extremist Propaganda Receives Restriction Order

A 16-year-old Secondary 4 student in Singapore, who was influenced by online far-right extremist propaganda, has been placed under a restriction order by the Internal Security Department (ISD) under the Internal Security Act (ISA) since November 2023. Although he is of Chinese ethnicity, the teenager considered himself a white supremacist and aspired to carry out attacks overseas to further the cause of white supremacy, without any plans to conduct attacks within Singapore.

Second Singaporean Radicalised by Far-Right Extremist Ideologies

The ISD revealed on January 24 that this is the second Singaporean youth to be dealt with under the ISA after being radicalised by far-right extremist ideologies. The first youth, now 19, was released from detention in January after spending close to three years in custody.

Restriction Order Conditions

As part of the restriction order, the 16-year-old must comply with several conditions set by the ISD. These conditions include not being allowed to change his residence or travel outside Singapore, access the Internet or social media, and issue public statements without the approval of the ISD director.

Radicalisation Process

The ISD explained that the 16-year-old was radicalised after coming across videos by Paul Nicholas Miller, a foreign far-right political commentator and white supremacist, in 2022. Miller, who has links to extremist organisations such as the Proud Boys and the Boogaloo movement, advocates for a race war. By early 2023, the teenager developed intense hatred towards communities targeted by far-right extremists, including African Americans, Arabs, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Beliefs and Ideologies

According to the ISD, the youth believed that African Americans were responsible for a significant percentage of crime in the United States and deserved to “die a horrible death“. He also subscribed to the Great Replacement theory, popular among far-right terrorists, which suggests that indigenous white populations in Western countries are at risk of being replaced by non-white immigrants. These ethno-nationalist beliefs led him to believe that non-white communities should be driven away from white-majority countries.

Involvement in Far-Right Online Communities

The teenager actively participated in far-right online chat groups and channels, where he shared violent anti-African American videos, seeking a sense of belonging within the white supremacist community. Although he expressed interest in conducting a mass shooting in the US and considered traveling to Western countries for attacks, he did not take concrete steps to carry out these aspirations due to a lack of resources and knowledge.

Rehabilitation Measures

While under the restriction order, the youth will undergo a rehabilitation programme aimed at countering the violent extremist ideologies he absorbed online. ISD psychologists will provide counseling to address his propensity for violence and the factors that made him vulnerable to radical influences. Additionally, the youth’s family, school, and mentors assigned by ISD will provide support and guidance to facilitate his reintegration into society.

Previous Case of Radicalisation

The ISD also shared details of another youth, now 19, who was recently released from detention after being detained at the age of 16 in December 2020. This individual had made plans to conduct terrorist attacks against Muslims at two mosques in Singapore using a machete. During his three-year detention, he underwent an intensive rehabilitation programme and has since rejected far-right extremist ideas and violence.

Role of Rehabilitation Stakeholders

The successful rehabilitation of the 19-year-old was attributed to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the ISD, the National Council of Churches of Singapore, psychologists, mentors from the Religious Rehabilitation Group, and his family. The youth had access to education while in detention and intends to continue studying after his release.

Remaining Vigilant Against Far-Right Extremist Ideologies

The ISD emphasized the need for vigilance, as far-right extremist ideologies can be adapted to fit the Singaporean landscape. The agency highlighted the potential dangers of divisive rhetoric, which can create societal divides and incite violence against minorities. The public was urged to be aware of signs of radicalisation and to report any suspicions to the ISD Counter-Terrorism Centre hotline.

In conclusion, the case of the 16-year-old Singaporean student who was radicalised by online far-right extremist propaganda highlights the ongoing threat posed by such ideologies. The ISD’s efforts to rehabilitate these individuals and prevent future radicalisation are crucial in ensuring the safety and harmony of Singapore’s multiracial and multi-religious society.

.

– Self-radicalised Singaporean identified as white supremacist
– Restriction order under ISA for 16-year-old extremist.