In an unprecedented case, a 16-year-old Singaporean student of Chinese ethnicity, self-radicalized through online far-right extremist propaganda, has been issued a restriction order under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for espousing white supremacist beliefs. This case underscores the global reach of extremist ideologies and the vulnerability of youth to radicalization through online platforms.
The teen, who first encountered videos by American far-right political commentator and white supremacist Paul Nicholas Miller in 2022, quickly developed an intense hatred toward communities typically targeted by far-right extremists, including African-Americans, Arabs, and LGBTQ+ individuals. His beliefs were fueled by the Great Replacement Theory, which claims that white populations in Western countries are being replaced by non-white immigrants. This ideology is commonly referenced by far-right terrorists, including Christchurch attacker Brenton Tarrant.
Singapore’s Internal Security Department (ISD) found that the teen had shared violent anti-African American videos in far-right online chat groups, seeking a sense of belonging in the white supremacist community. He aspired to be recruited for violent attacks by white supremacist groups overseas and had expressed interest in conducting a mass shooting in the United States.
Despite these ideations, the teen did not take steps to actualize his attack aspirations due to a lack of financial resources and know-how. He had no plans to conduct any attacks locally in Singapore and had not influenced his family or friends with his extremist views.
As part of the restriction order, the youth will undergo a holistic rehabilitation program aimed at countering the violent extremist ideologies he absorbed online. This program includes psychological counseling to address his propensity for violence and factors that made him vulnerable to radical influences, such as emotional regulation and self-identity issues.
The teen has also been assigned mentors who will provide additional guidance and cyber-wellness skills. These mentors are Ministry of Education-trained teachers and volunteers from the Religious Rehabilitation Group, experienced in working with and coaching youths.
ISD has emphasized the need for vigilance against far-right extremist ideologies, which often espouse white supremacist, anti-Islam, xenophobic, and anti-immigration beliefs. These ideologies can be adapted to fit the Singaporean landscape and pose a threat to the country’s multiracial and multi-religious society.
This case represents a shift in the nature of radicalization in Singapore, which historically focused on religious-based extremism. It highlights the need for evolving strategies to combat the complex avenues of radicalization and the importance of community support in the rehabilitation process.
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