Last Updated on 2021-01-31 , 9:02 am
Residents of Singapore were stunned a couple of days ago when it was revealed that a 16-year-old boy had planned to attack Muslim worshippers at two mosques here.
The teen was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) last December.
He was found to have made “detailed plans” to conduct terror attacks at the two mosques.
He initially intended to use guns and bombs, but he later abandoned those plans due to logistical and personal safety concerns.
In the end, he chose a machete to carry out his attack, and managed to find one he liked on community marketplace Carousell.
If the authorities hadn’t stepped in, the teen may well have purchased the knife and followed through with his plans.
And now, Carousell is working to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
Carousell Responds After Listing of Machete Was Revealed to Be 16YO’s Weapon of Choice to Attack Mosques
Carousell said it is taking steps to moderate its listings on its platform, according to CNA.
The move was prompted by news of the teen who tried to purchase a machete on the platform to carry out a terror attack.
Carousell reiterated that it does not allow the sale of knives on its platform unless it’s for non-lethal sports or dress purposes.
However, it noted that the machete listing is a unique situation that has presented a challenge.
This is because it’s used for camping and gardening, and is recognised as a permissible item.
Still, the incident has compelled the online marketplace to review its listings in a more comprehensive manner.
“This incident has been an acute reminder that we must continue to review items
and situations holistically,” Carousell told CNA.
“We have acted swiftly to do a thorough sweep of our marketplace and are updating
our content moderation methods and tools.”
Teen Influenced By The Terrorist Who Killed 51 Muslim Worshippers in New Zealand
The authorities revealed that the 16-year-old who was detained was influenced by white supremacist Brenton Tarrant, who had killed 51 Muslim worshippers in two mosques in New Zealand two years ago.
Tarrant live-streamed the horrific attack on Facebook and released a 74-page manifesto titled “The Great Replacement”, both of which were seen by the youth.
The self-radicalised boy had also watched Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) propaganda videos, and came to the erroneous conclusion that ISIS represented Islam, and that Islam called on its followers to kill non-believers.
He had chosen Assyafaah Mosque in Sembawang and Yusof Ishak Mosque in Woodlands as his targets, and had conducted online reconnaissance and research on them.
He is the youngest individual so far to be dealt with under the ISA for terrorism-related activities.
The teen was still in secondary school when he was detained.
Instead of being imprisoned, he will undergo psychological counselling for his troubling beliefs.
The Internal Security Department (ISD) said it will make the necessary arrangements for the 16-year-old so he can continue with his studies.
This means he’ll be preparing for the national examinations while in detention.
You can read more about the teen and his planned attack here.
Featured Image: ISD
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