On 24 January 2024, the Internal Security Department (ISD) of Singapore said they had recently taken action against a 16-year-old student for his radical beliefs and intentions, influenced by far-right extremist propaganda.
Identified as a proponent of white supremacy, the youth was served a restriction order under the Internal Security Act in November 2023.
This is the second time a Singaporean has been addressed under this act for radicalization through far-right ideologies.
The first was detained under the ISA in December 2020, and ISD said that he was released and issued with a Suspension Direction this month.
What Happened to This Second Case
The 16-year-old, a Secondary Four Chinese student, fell into the depths of far-right extremism when he stumbled upon videos from an American far-right political commentator and white supremacist, Paul Nicholas Miller.
Paul Nicholas Miller, also known as GypsyCrusader, is a 35-year-old American white supremacist internet personality.
Over time, his exposure to such content festered into a deep-seated hatred towards minority groups typically targeted by far-right extremists, including African Americans, Arabs, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
The youth absorbed and advocated extremist views, such as the belief in the Great Replacement Theory, and a perceived threat from illegal Arab immigrants.
His radicalization was not only ideological but also participatory.
The student engaged in far-right online communities, sharing and consuming violent, anti-minority content.
He 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”, like travelling to Western countries such as France, Italy, the US, and Russia, to participate in attack.
However, he had not taken concrete steps to actualize his plans, primarily due to financial and logistical constraints.
Unlike the previous case, the 16-year-old has no plans to conduct any attacks in Singapore.
In response to the youth’s radicalization, the ISD has mandated a rehabilitation program as part of his restriction order. This program is designed to counteract the violent extremist ideologies he has imbibed.
The multifaceted approach includes psychological counseling to address his propensity for violence and underlying issues, such as emotional regulation and identity crises, which made him susceptible to radical influences.
Regular engagements by ISD case officers, support from his family and school, and mentorship from experienced educators aim to reintegrate the youth into society.
The program also restricts his internet access and ability to disseminate his views, underscoring the importance of cutting off the sources that fuel such radical ideologies.
Additionally, the ISD collaborates with community partners to ensure the youth receives well-rounded support and develops pro-social skills.