16yo self-identified white supremacist in Singapore receives ISA Restriction Order

SINGAPORE: The Internal Security Department (ISD) issued a Restriction Order (RO) under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in November 2023 for a 16-year-old Secondary 4 student who, influenced by online far-right extremist propaganda, identified himself as a white supremacist.

Despite his Chinese ethnicity, the teenager harboured aspirations to carry out attacks abroad in support of the white supremacist cause, with no intention of targeting Singapore.

As per a statement issued by ISD on Wednesday (24 January), this individual is the second Singaporean to be dealt with under the ISA for being radicalised by far-right extremist ideologies.

The ISD further revealed that the first youth, now 19 years old, had been released from detention in January after nearly three years.

The imposition of the restriction order on the 16-year-old entails compliance with various conditions.

These restrictions encompass refraining from changing his residence or travelling outside of Singapore, abstaining from accessing the Internet or social media, and refraining from issuing public statements without the explicit approval of the director of the Internal Security Department (ISD).

ISD clarifies the individual’s “self-radicalisation process”

During the investigation, the ISD noted that the teenager strongly identified as a white supremacist and pro-white sympathiser, and hoped to be recruited for violent attacks by white supremacist groups overseas to “fight for the whites”.

By early 2023, the teenager had developed an intense animosity towards communities targeted by far-right extremists, including African Americans, Arabs, and individuals within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) spectrum.

ISD revealed that the youth harboured the belief that African Americans were disproportionately responsible for crime in the United States and expressed the view that they deserved to “die a horrible death.”

Furthermore, he held the perception that illegal Arab immigrants were involved in violent attacks against white populations in Western countries.

“He subscribed to the Great Replacement Theory commonly referenced by far-right terrorists like Christchurch attacker Brenton Tarrant (Tarrant), which propagated the idea that the indigenous white population in Western countries were in danger of being replaced by non-white immigrants.”

“Such ethno-nationalist beliefs convinced him that non-white communities such as African Americans and Arabs should be driven away from white-majority countries, ” added ISD.

ISD said the youth actively engaged in far-right online chat groups and channels, where he shared violent anti-African American videos, finding a sense of belonging within the white supremacist community through such activities.

Expressing intentions to travel to Western countries, including France, Italy, the US, and Russia, he contemplated participating in attacks against the communities he vilified. Furthermore, he voiced interest in a far-right online chat group, discussing plans for a mass shooting in the US a decade later.

ISD clarified that he did not take concrete steps to realize these attack aspirations, citing financial constraints and a lack of expertise in weaponry.

“The youth had no plans to conduct any attacks locally, as he felt that these communities had not caused trouble in Singapore. ”

Under the restriction order, the teenager is mandated to undergo a rehabilitation program designed to counter the violent extremist ideologies he absorbed online.

The program aims to educate him about the incompatibility of his racial supremacist views with Singapore’s multi-racial and multi-religious society.

ISD said psychologists will provide counselling to address his propensity for violence and delve into factors making him susceptible to radical influences. These factors include the regulation of emotions and identity issues, contributing to his inclination to identify as a white supremacist and align with a seemingly powerful group.

ISD case officers are collaborating with his family and school to ensure adequate support. Additionally, two mentors have been assigned to provide guidance and cyber-wellness skills.

The ISD added that they are actively partnering with entities like the Inter-Agency Aftercare Group (ACG) to explore community-based programs geared towards equipping him with pro-social skills.

ISD released another 19-year-old Singaporean from detention in January

Separately, ISD released a 19-year-old Singaporean from detention and issued him with a Suspension Direction (SD) in January 2024, as he had made good progress in his rehabilitation and is assessed to no longer pose an imminent security threat.

A ministerial direction allows the suspension of the detention order, but the individual can be detained again if they fail to comply with the conditions, mirroring those of a restriction order.

Aged 16 at the time of his detention in December 2020, he was the first Singaporean to be dealt with under the ISA for being radicalised by far-right extremist ideologies.

He had made detailed plans and preparations to conduct terrorist attacks using a machete against Muslims at two mosques in Singapore, according to ISD.

During his three-year detention, he underwent an intensive rehabilitation program, demonstrating receptiveness to these efforts. He has since renounced far-right extremist ideas and violence, no longer harbouring animosity towards Muslims.

The ISD highlighted his internalization of the significance of racial and religious harmony in Singapore.

Throughout his detention, the ISD collaborated with the National Council of Churches of Singapore to provide counselling through a Christian pastor. This addressed the youth’s extremist mindset, including the misguided belief that Christians were under attack by Muslims.

Additionally, he received support from an ISD psychologist, and three mentors (two from the Religious Rehabilitation Group and his former secondary school teacher), all contributing to addressing self-esteem issues, his permissive attitude towards violence, and socio-psychological factors leading to his radicalization.

“The youth’s family also played a key role in his rehabilitation, as their weekly visits and words of encouragement motivated him to stay on track with his rehabilitation, ” said ISD.

Educational support was also a focus, as the ISD arranged for him to take the GCE N Level and GCE O Level examinations during detention. With at least five tutors, including MOE-trained teachers who were Religious Rehabilitation Group volunteers, he intends to continue his studies after release.

The ISD emphasized its commitment to working with the youth’s family, school, and other rehabilitation stakeholders to facilitate his smooth reintegration into society.

ISD statement wrote: “While far-right extremist ideologies have not gained a significant foothold in Singapore, the cases of these two youths serve as a reminder that Singaporeans are not immune to such ideologies and that there is a need to maintain vigilance. ”

“Far-right ideologies, which often espouse white supremacist, anti-Islam, xenophobic and anti-immigration beliefs, can be adapted to fit the Singaporean landscape. ”

“One example is by advocating for the superiority of specific communities, through the lens of cultural, ethno-religious, or nationalist supremacy.”

The ISD warns that such divisive rhetoric has the potential to create profound societal divides, magnify prejudices, and incite violence against minorities. It urges the public to remain vigilant and recognize signs of radicalization in others.

According to ISD, indicators of radicalization include frequent visits to radical websites, sharing extremist views on social media, discussing extremist views with friends and relatives, making statements promoting ill-will or hatred towards people of different races or religions, expressing intent to engage in violence either overseas or in Singapore, and inciting others to participate in violent acts.

The ISD encourages Singaporeans who suspect someone may be radicalized to contact the ISD Counter-Terrorism Centre hotline at 1800-2626-473 (1800-2626-ISD).