Two Singaporeans detained under ISA after self-radicalisation linked to Gaza war

SINGAPORE, June 24 — Two self-radicalised Singaporeans became the latest individuals to be served with an Order of Detention (OD) and a Restriction Order (RO) under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

The Internal Security Department (ISD) in a statement today said both orders were issued in March this year.

Tarmizi Mohd Taha, a 30-year-old customer service officer, was issued the OD, while Cyrus Dzulqarnain Al-Shahriar, a 19-year-old student, received the RO.

“While their cases are not related, both individuals’ radicalisation was triggered by the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” it said, adding that the two individuals were the seventh and eighth Singaporeans dealt with under the ISA whose radicalisation was due to the conflict.

ISD said Cyrus’ case also underscored the growing diversity of violent extremist ideologies fuelling the domestic self-radicalisation threat, especially among youths.

The department stressed that it will take firm action against any individual in Singapore who supports, promotes, undertakes or makes preparations for armed violence, regardless of the ideological justification offered or where such activities are carried out.

“While Singaporeans remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian cost of the conflict, it is critical that we do not allow extremist narratives that capitalise on foreign conflicts to take root in our society,” it said. — Bernama