2 Singaporean issued restriction order under ISA for supporting terrorism

A 14-year-old student has become the youngest person to receive a restriction order under Singapore's Internal Security Act (ISA)

This student is among two Singaporeans issued such orders recently, with the other being 33-year-old former public servant An’nadya An’nahari

Despite their links to the Israel-Hamas conflict, Minister Shanmugam emphasized that the orders were directed at their support for terrorism and violence, not their support for the Palestinian cause.

Highlighting his own sympathy for the cause, he stressed that support for the cause need not be support for terrorism

The teenager intended to join the Black Flag Army, a prophesied Muslim army, and considered carrying out attacks in Singapore

He even attempted to radicalize his schoolmates, though unsuccessfully

Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam expressed concern over the case, highlighting the rapid radicalization of the youth

The boy's parents had noticed his segregationist beliefs but did not seek intervention

An’nadya, the other individual issued a restriction order, supported the Axis of Resistance, a network of Islamist militant organizations, and advocated violence against Israelis and Jews

Both individuals cannot change their residence, employment, or travel without ISD's approval, and are restricted from accessing the internet and social media without permission

He reiterated the need to avoid allowing extremist narratives to take root in Singapore, even as many sympathize with the situation in Gaza

The minister also stressed the importance of addressing youth radicalization, noting that since 2015, 13 youths aged 20 or younger have been dealt with under the ISA

The ISD will continue to work with community partners to counter radicalization and ensure national security