S’porean teen held over planned terrorist attacks on mosques

SINGAPORE – A 16-year-old Singaporean teenager was detained in December last year under the republic’s Internal Security Act after he was found to have made detailed plans and preparations to conduct terrorist attacks on two mosques here.

According to an Internal Security Department statement today, the teenager, who is a Protestant Christian of Indian ethnicity, is the first detainee to be inspired by far-right extremist ideology. He had planned to attack Muslims using a machete.

It said as he was a secondary school student at the time, he is the youngest individual to date to be dealt with under the Act for terrorism-related activities.

It added that he was self-radicalised, motivated by a strong antipathy towards Islam and fascination for violence.

“He watched the live-streamed video of the terrorist attack on the two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15, 2019, and read the manifesto of the attacker, Brenton Tarrant.

“He also watched Islamic State (IS) propaganda videos, and came to the erroneous conclusion that IS represents Islam, and that Islam calls on its followers to kill non-believers.”

The department said it is clear from the attack plans and preparations that the youth was influenced by Tarrant’s actions and manifesto.

It said among others, he planned to carry out his attacks on March 15, the anniversary of the Christchurch attacks.

“He chose Assyafaah Mosque and Yusof Ishak Mosque as targets because they are near his house. He conducted online reconnaissance and research on both mosques to prepare for the attacks.”

According to the department, the detailed planning and preparations attested to the youth’s determination to follow through with the attack.

“He admitted during the investigation that he could only foresee two outcomes of his plans – that he is arrested before he is able to carry out the attacks, or executes the plans and is killed by police.”

The department said initial investigations indicate that the youth had acted alone.

“There is also no indication that he tried to influence anyone with his extreme outlook or involve others in his attack plans.

“His immediate family members and those in his social circles are not aware of his plans and the depths of his hatred of Islam.” – Bernama, January 27, 2021