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Four arrested under ISA

SINGAPORE — Three Singaporeans have been arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for taking part in the sectarian conflict in Yemen — the first instances made public of the Republic’s citizens participating in strifes abroad, instead of merely having the intent to do so.

SINGAPORE — Three Singaporeans have been arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for taking part in the sectarian conflict in Yemen — the first instances made public of the Republic’s citizens participating in strifes abroad, instead of merely having the intent to do so.

Mohammad Razif Yahya, 27; and Amiruddin Sawir, 53, had used firearms in fighting off Houthis — a Shia group — and were “prepared to kill and be killed as ‘martyrs’”, while Mohamed Mohideen Mohamed Jais, 25, was armed “with the aim to kill” although he did not encounter any situation requiring him to open fire. All three were performing armed sentry duties at a religious institution in Yemen they had attended.

A fourth citizen, Wang Yuandongyi, 23, intended to join a Kurdish militia group in Syria to fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group, but was foiled.

Wang, a non-Muslim who was not motivated by ideological reasons, is the first known case of a Singaporean seeking to take up arms overseas against ISIS. Investigations showed that Wang, who is from China and obtained citizenship in 2014, was looking to “escape from personal setbacks” that included a failed business venture that left him in debt, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Wednesday (March 16) as it announced the arrests.

Wang, who has completed his National Service, had arrived in Singapore as a child and was educated here. In January, he left Singapore with Singapore Armed Forces-issued gear including his boots and uniform, planning to use them in the battlefield, said the MHA. He is the first ethnic Chinese placed under a Restriction Order (RO) for intending to undertake violence in overseas armed conflicts. The order took effect this month.

A person under an RO cannot change his residence, employment or travel out of Singapore without official approval. He also cannot issue public statements or join organisations without approval.

The latest arrests under the ISA brought the total number of cases made public by the authorities to nine in the past 10 months. In the previous cases, the individuals had wanted to join ISIS’ fight in Syria.

In the case of Wang, the MHA noted that “even though his motivation to join the Kurdish militia group and fight against ISIS in Syria was not ideologically driven, the fact remains that he intended to engage in an armed conflict overseas”.

MHA said: “The Government takes a stern view against anyone who supports, promotes, undertakes or makes preparations to undertake armed violence, regardless of how they rationalise such violence ideologically, or where the violence takes place.”

The ministry stressed that “geography does not mask the fact that such individuals would have demonstrated a dangerous tendency to support the use of violence”.

“Their involvement in overseas conflicts can also jeopardise Singapore’s national interests, including our bilateral relations. They are deemed to pose a threat to Singapore’s security, and will be firmly dealt with in accordance with our laws,” MHA added.

Wang had intended to travel to Syria to join a Kurdish militia group that is fighting against ISIS. He learnt about the Kurds through newsfeeds last November and ISIS’ attacks against them in Syria. In December, he initiated online contact with a Kurdish militia group and communicated with like-minded people online, discussing possible travel routes to Syria.

Wang wanted to head to Turkey and onward to Syria but was reported by someone who knew of his plans. He was located in an unnamed country and turned back to Singapore at the request of Singapore authorities, said the ministry.

The MHA said: “As part of the rehabilitation programme, Wang will be given psychological counselling to steer him away from resorting to violence. He will also be closely monitored by the authorities under the Restriction Order regime.”

Razif started his religious studies in Yemen in January 2010 while Amiruddin began in July 2013. They returned to Singapore separately between April and June last year. They were arrested under the ISA in Singapore in July last year. The following month, they were each issued a two-year Detention Order.

Razif had volunteered for sniper training, which he put into practice against the Houthis. Amiruddin was also involved in a firefight with the Houthis.

“(They) were prepared to kill and be killed as ‘martyrs’ in the sectarian conflict in Yemen,” said the MHA.

Mohideen, who has been placed on an RO under the ISA with effect from this month, performed armed sentry duties while studying in Yemen from 2009 to early 2011, but he did not encounter any situation which required him to open fire, the MHA said.

Since 2002, 72 people have been detained under the ISA for terrorism-related activities. About 80 per cent of them have been released, MHA said.

“There are presently 14 persons issued with Orders of Detention, one on Suspension Direction and 22 persons issued with Restriction Orders,” the ministry added.

A Suspension Direction is a ministerial direction to suspend the operation of an existing Order of Detention. The Minister of Home Affairs may revoke the Suspension Direction and the individual will be re-detained if he does not comply with any of the stipulated conditions.

Among the conditions are that he is prohibited from associating with any militant or terrorist groups or individuals, and he is not allowed to leave the country without the prior written approval of the Director of the Internal Security Department.

The MHA urged members of the public who are aware of people becoming involved in terrorism-related activities or who observe suspicious activities or signs of radicalisation to inform the Internal Security Department (1800 2626 473) or the police (999).

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