SINGAPORE: An Australian teen who was investigated for terrorism-related actions was stopped from getting into Singapore in October, mentioned the Ministry of Residence Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday (Nov 12).
The 17-year-old had arrived from Melbourne, Australia with 4 relations on Oct 24. He was then interviewed and subjected to checks.
In response to CNA queries, MHA mentioned the teenager was beforehand investigated by the Australian authorities for radicalisation and terrorism-related actions in 2021.
He reportedly had a fixation on the terrorist group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and had expressed a need to hold out a faculty taking pictures.
“He additionally allegedly researched supplies on bomb-making and was in communication with like-minded people,” mentioned the ministry.
“In view of his terrorism-related antecedents, the youth was denied entry into Singapore, and slated to be repatriated to Melbourne with an accompanying member of the family.”
MHA mentioned the teenager’s different relations got the choice of getting into Singapore. Nonetheless, they determined to return to Melbourne with him and have been positioned on the subsequent earliest flight to Melbourne on Oct 25.
Whereas ready for his or her departing flight, the household was escorted to a holding room.
“For security causes as per the prevailing protocols, their private objects and baggage have been surrendered for safekeeping, together with the elimination of shoelaces to stop potential hurt to themselves or others.
“The household was housed in separate, gender-specific holding rooms, which have been well-lit and monitored by CCTV cameras to make sure the protection and safety of all individuals within the holding room,” added MHA.
The ministry mentioned additionally they had entry to facilities together with meals, water and restrooms, and have been allowed to assemble throughout mealtimes and work together with each other at designated communal areas through the permitted time intervals.
The Guardian reported on Nov 4 that the teenager, who suffers from autism, and his two primary-school aged siblings have been held in a single day on the airport, in a room with “greater than a dozen different detainees”.
The youth’s father was quoted as saying that the therapy was not “truthful” nor “human” and that the circumstances of the detention facility have been poor.
The teenager – identified by the pseudonym Thomas Carrick – was 13 when he was investigated by Australian authorities. He was later cleared of any felony reoffending.
Nonetheless, a “pink flag” or “pink alert” was placed on his passport regardless of this, in accordance The Guardian.
In a Feb 14 report by Australian broadcaster ABC Information, the Australian Federal Police additionally defended a covert operation which was discovered to have additional radicalised the teenager.
The operation reportedly included an undercover officer concentrating on the teenager on-line and telling him he would make a great sniper or suicide bomber.
MHA mentioned in its assertion {that a} customer’s entry into Singapore is neither computerized nor a proper.
“Every case is assessed by itself deserves,” mentioned the ministry.
MHA added that the Singapore authorities takes a critical view of anybody who helps, advocates or engages in violence or terrorism, and works intently with its worldwide counterparts to maintain the nation secure and safe.
About 2,500 guests are refused entry to Singapore each month for numerous causes.
