Singapore home minister Shanmugam clarifies ISA curbs on
self-radicalised teen and woman who support terrorism

Los Angeles/July 15, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh

Singaporeans are deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza, but expressing sympathy for Palestinians must not result in inciting terrorist attacks, said Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam.

In a media address, Shanmugam explained the Internal Security Act (ISA) restriction orders placed on a 14-year-old male student and a 33-year-old former public servant. The student aimed to join a militant group and carry out attacks in Singapore, while the woman advocated for attacks on Israelis and Jews.

Shanmugam clarified that the ISA restrictions were imposed not for supporting Palestine, but for supporting terrorism.
The teenager was restricted last month, and the adult earlier this month. ISA restrictions include limitations on changing addresses, traveling outside Singapore without permission, and accessing the Internet and social media without approval.

Shanmugam acknowledged that Singaporeans are rightfully concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and sympathize with the Palestinian cause. He stressed, however, that sympathy must not equate to supporting terrorism.

The minister noted that many Singaporeans have shown support for the Gaza situation through fundraising and humanitarian aid.

Citing the radicalised individuals, Shanmugam highlighted how external conflicts can have internal impacts on Singapore. Over the past decade, the ISA has been used to address 40 radicalised Singaporeans, 13 of whom were aged 20 or younger.

A Ministry of Home Affairs media release detailed the restriction orders: “Two self-radicalised Singaporeans, a 14-year-old male youth and a 33-year-old female, An’nadya binte An’nahari (An’nadya), were issued Restriction Orders (RO) under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in June and July 2024 respectively.”

The release added: “Both individuals were self-radicalised online, triggered by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The student aimed to fight for the Black Flag Army (BFA) and considered attacks in Singapore, making him the youngest person to receive an ISA order. An’nadya, a former statutory board manager, supported the Axis of Resistance (AOR), including groups like Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades (AQB), Hizbollah, and the Houthis, and advocated violence against Israelis and Jews.”

Describing the student’s self-radicalisation, the ministry stated: “The youth’s radicalisation was prompted by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and occurred within months after consuming extensive online pro-Hamas content.”

Regarding An’nadya, the ministry reported: “She first drew security interest in May 2021 for online posts that could incite social disharmony. Although initially not showing radical inclinations, her radicalisation began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks. She watched videos depicting violence in Gaza and joined social media groups sharing information on Hamas’s military activities. She viewed AOR groups as resistance fighters, despite their designation as terrorist organizations in various jurisdictions.”

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