30-11-2023 (SINGAPORE) Two individuals who had been detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Singapore for their involvement with radical ideologies have been released from detention in July. The Internal Security Department (ISD) confirmed that both men had made significant progress in their rehabilitation and were assessed to no longer pose a security threat warranting preventive detention.
The first man, Suderman Samikin, aged 51, was arrested in July 2019 due to his strong support for the Islamic State (IS) and his intention to travel to Syria to join the group. Suderman, who had previously worked as a delivery assistant, had actively engaged with a pro-IS Facebook group since April 2014, seeking advice on how to join the terrorist organization. In 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) disclosed that Suderman had even offered financial assistance to one of his contacts to support their involvement in the conflict in Syria. Furthermore, he had been invited to join an overseas pro-IS group by two individuals whom he had befriended online. Suderman’s activities led to his arrest under the ISA following his release from prison, where he had served time for drug consumption between July 2014 and June 2019.
The second individual released in July was Mustafa Sultan Ali, aged 60, who had attempted to cross into Syria to join the Islamic State. In June 2015, Mustafa traveled to Turkey as a means to conceal his intentions, but he was arrested by Turkish authorities before reaching his destination. Subsequently, he was deported to Singapore and detained under the ISA in July 2015. The MHA revealed that investigations had shown Mustafa’s deep radicalization through exposure to the terrorist ideologies of ISIS and other online radical ideologues.
Both Suderman Samikin and Mustafa Sultan Ali were released from detention on restriction orders. These orders impose various conditions and limitations on the individuals, such as obtaining approval from the director of ISD for changes in residence, employment, or travel outside of Singapore. They are also prohibited from accessing the internet or social media, issuing public statements, participating in public meetings, or contributing to any publications without prior approval. Additionally, seeking approval from ISD is mandatory for holding office or being a member of any organization, association, or group.
In a separate development, four individuals who had been issued with restriction orders earlier this year were allowed to lapse as their orders expired. The ISD stated that these individuals had demonstrated commendable progress in their rehabilitation. The first among them was Mohamed Fairuz Junaidi, aged 43, followed by Syaikhah Izzah Zahrah Al Ansari, aged 28, Amiruddin Sawir, aged 60, and Abu Thalha Samad, aged 32. Each individual had been involved in activities related to supporting or participating in extremist ideologies.
The release of these individuals from detention and the lapse of their restriction orders reflect the efforts made by the Singaporean authorities to rehabilitate individuals with radical leanings and reintegrate them into society. The ISD continues to monitor and assess the progress of such individuals to ensure the safety and security of the country.
