“Self-Radicalized 14-Year-Old in Singapore Becomes Youngest Issued Restriction Orders Under ISA “

Two Singaporeans, a 14-year-old student and a 33-year-old public servant, have received Restriction Orders (RO) under the Internal Security Act (ISA) due to radicalization linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, announced the Internal Security Department (ISD) on July 15.

The 14-year-old, the youngest person to receive an RO in Singapore, reportedly aspired to join terrorist groups and carry out attacks on non-Muslim communities. According to ISD, his radicalization began after researching online materials about apocalyptic prophecies and the Black Flag Army (BFA). In his planning, he began adhering to segregationist beliefs and intended to fund travel to Afghanistan to support the BFA.

ISD investigations revealed the teenager acted independently without successfully radicalizing others. Under his RO, he will undergo religious and psychological counseling and have restricted internet access, ensuring his rehabilitation continues alongside his studies.

The 33-year-old public servant, An’nadya An’nahari, also received an RO. Initially warned in 2021 for inflammatory online posts, she later engaged with pro-Hamas and pro-Resistance content, identifying herself in extremist online groups supporting violent actions. She shared these ideas online, but her recruitment efforts were unsuccessful.

In addressing why the two individuals were not detained, Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam stated that ROs are issued based on assessed threats, allowing both to continue their lives while undergoing measures to counteract radicalization.