Terrorism (Suppression Of Misuse Of Radioactive Material) Bill

The Terrorism (Suppression of Misuse of Radioactive Material) Bill was introduced for First Reading in Parliament today.

Background

2.     Singapore is a signatory of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) adopted by the United Nations. ICSANT seeks to prevent and suppress acts of nuclear terrorism, through the criminalisation of such acts, and the provision of international assistance in relation to such acts.

3.     The enactment of the Terrorism (Suppression of Misuse of Radioactive Material) Act 2017 (TSORMA) will allow Singapore to ratify ICSANT.

Key Provisions

4.     The key proposed provisions in the Bill criminalise acts which are proscribed under ICSANT, and set out the penalties for those acts:

1. Intentional and unlawful possession of any radioactive material, or intentional and unlawful possession or making of any Convention device[1] , with the intention to use the material or device to cause the death of or serious bodily injury to any individual, or substantial damage to property or the environment;

2. Intentional and unlawful use of any radioactive material or Convention device, with the intention – (i) to cause the death of or serious bodily injury to any individual, or substantial damage to property or the environment; or (ii) to compel any other person, international organisation or government to do or refrain from doing any act;

3. Intentional and unlawful use or damage of a nuclear facility, that causes, or creates a risk of, the release of radioactive material, with the intention – (i) to cause the death of or serious bodily injury to any individual, or substantial damage to property or the environment; or (ii) to compel any other person, international organisation or government to do or refrain from doing any act;

4. Attempting to commit, or to cause to be committed, any offence mentioned in sub-paragraph (a), (b) or (c);

5. Threatening to do any act mentioned in sub-paragraph (b) or (c);f. Intentionally and unlawfully demanding, by using force or threats, that another  person make available, or give access to, any radioactive material, Convention device or nuclear facility.