Singapore Student Detained for Plotting Attacks on Muslims After Far-Right Radicalization

IQNA – An 18-year-old Singaporean has been detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for planning attacks against Muslims after being radicalized by far-right extremist ideologies.

Nick Lee Xing Qiu has been detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for activities linked to far-right extremism, the Internal Security Department (ISD) announced on February 10.

Lee, influenced by white supremacist ideologies, idolized Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the 2019 Christchurch terrorist attacks in New Zealand, the Straits Times reported.

According to ISD, Lee became radicalized in early 2023 after extensive exposure to Islamophobic and extremist content online. He reportedly spent hours daily consuming such material, including repeatedly watching footage of the Christchurch terrorist attacks.

Lee also role-played as Tarrant in violent online games, using modifications to simulate attacks on Muslims.

Lee expressed intentions to target Muslims in Singapore, acquiring tattoos and apparel linked to neo-Nazi and far-right symbols.

While he admitted lacking the courage to act alone, he was open to participating in attacks alongside like-minded individuals met online. His plans included using homemade weapons and researching methods for creating Molotov cocktails, although no concrete attack timeline was established.

Lee’s family, teachers, and peers were unaware of his radicalization. He is the third individual in Singapore to be detained under the ISA for far-right extremism, following cases involving two other youths in 2020 and 2024.

ISD highlighted the global rise of far-right extremism, emphasizing that its appeal extends beyond white supremacist circles, often promoting ethno-religious chauvinism and xenophobia.

The department warned that youths are particularly vulnerable to such ideologies, which exploit online platforms, including video games, to disseminate extremist content.

ISD reaffirmed its commitment to countering all forms of violent extremism and underscored the importance of safeguarding Singapore’s multiracial and multi-religious harmony.

The Christchurch attacks in 2019 were mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, carried out by Australian white supremacist Brenton Tarrant. On March 15, he killed 51 people and injured 40 others during Friday prayers. Tarrant live-streamed part of the attack on social media and was later sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Source: Agencies