Issuance of Restriction Order Against Self-Radicalised Singaporean Under the Internal Security Act

In May 2015, a Singaporean youth was arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) to facilitate investigations into the extent of his radicalisation.  After investigations, he has been released from custody and placed on a Restriction Order (RO) under the ISA for two years from June 2015.

2       Investigations have shown that the 17-year-old youth had become radicalised after viewing videos, websites and social media materials propagated by radical ideologues and terrorist elements.  He had wanted to engage in armed violence alongside the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and had started making preparations to carry out his plans.

3       He is required to abide by conditions specified in the RO upon his release from custody. He will have to attend religious counselling and has to stop accessing violent or extremist online material. He will not be allowed to leave Singapore without permission or to issue public statements. His release on an RO, with conditions attached, provides a balance between rehabilitation and preserving public security. Further measures will be taken against him if he breaches the conditions of the RO, or if it is assessed that further measures are needed to protect public security.

4       Family members, friends, colleagues and members of the public have an important role to play in protecting fellow Singaporeans from radicalisation and terrorism.  Anyone who knows or suspects that someone they know is radicalised should promptly call the ISD Counter-Terrorism Centre hotline 1800-2626-473 (1800-2626-ISD).  This could save such individuals and allow them to be helped and counselled, so that they are prevented from engaging in violent activities that may cause harm to themselves and others.