SINGAPORE - A 14-year-old student was placed under a Restriction Order (RO) this month under Singapore’s Internal Security Act (ISA), marking the first case of self-radicalisation influenced by a mix of different extremist ideologies, to be dealt with under the law.
The Internal Security Department (ISD) said the local youth was a staunch supporter of "Daesh”, while concurrently subscribing to anti-Semitic beliefs espoused in far-right extremist ideologies, besides identifying himself as an incel.
The youth had been in online contact with several foreign extremists, including one who offered to help him plan an attack in Singapore.
"The youth, fortunately, did not take any steps in furtherance of an attack in Singapore,” the ISD said in a statement.
He was exposed to extremist ideologies online in mid-2024, when he chanced upon foreign extremist personalities through online algorithm recommendations.
ISD said the youth will undergo religious counselling, as part of a holistic rehabilitation programme, and complemented by psychological and social rehabilitation.
"The 14-year-old’s case mirrors a global trend of radicalisation by ‘salad bar’ ideologies, especially amongst youths,” it said.
In the context of violent extremism, ‘salad bar’ ideologies refer to belief systems where individuals selectively adopt elements from different extremist ideologies - sometimes conflicting or incompatible - based on personal preference, rather than adhering to a single, coherent worldview.
A person placed under an RO must abide by several conditions and restrictions, including not being allowed to change residence or employment, or travel out of Singapore, without the approval of the ISD Director.
Without prior approval, the individual is also prohibited from accessing the Internet or social media, making public statements, addressing public gatherings, printing, publishing or distributing material, or holding office in or joining any organisation, association, or group.
"Daesh" is the Arabic acronym for the terrorist group known as the Islamic State, IS, or ISIS. - BERNAMA