From Counterterrorism Blog..
Arrests and Releases in Singapore: Two Trends Worth Noting
By Zachary Abuza
Today the Singapore Government made two announcements regarding
terrorism in the Southeast Asian economic hub.
The first is that three more individuals, described as home grown
militants, were taken into custody in December 2007 under the
Internal Security Act, which allows detention without trial. Two,
Muhammad Zamri Abdullah and Maksham Mohd Shah, both 26, were placed
under Orders of Deternion, while a third, Mohammad Taufik bin
Andjah Asmara, whom authorities described as knowledgeable about
the plot but less involved was placed under Restrictive Orders that
limit his movement. Zamri and Maksham were described as
self-radicalised through radical propaganda in publications,
videos and the internet. Zamry was committed to join "mujahidin
network", so that he could wage armed jihad overseas and die a
martyr. Maksham taught himself about IEDs and had traveled to
Malaysia to procure components.
In February 2007, Singapore arrested two other home grown
militants, Abdul Basheer and Muhamad Yassin Khan bin Muhamad Yunos.
The government gave no indication that the two groups of
self-radicalized individuals had any connection. While Singaporean
authorities deserve credit for dismantling JI and MILF-connected
cells since December 2001, they are clearly alarmed by the fact
that the number of home grown militant cells in Southeast Asia,
inspired by Mustafa Al-Suri's doctrine of nizam la tanzim (system,
not organization), is expected to grow as JI is further
weakened.
But the other announcement is perhaps much more important. Five
detained members of JI were released from prison, though issued
with Restriction Orders that limit their movement and require
continued monitoring and counseling. Five other JI and MILF members
who had been placed on RO on 10 January 2004, were released without
condition as they have been co-operative in investigations and
rehabilitation.
Singapore has one of the most successful jihadist rehabilitation
programs and deserves both credit and attention. Since December
2001, Singapore has detained 73 individuals for their involvement
in militant activities. Of those 73, 44 (60 percent) have been
freed from prison, though still under some sort of restriction and
monitoring. Seven individuals have been freed unconditionally. This
is an impressive rate of success especially in the case of dealing
with hardline and heavily indoctrinated jihadis, and considering
the security consciousness of the city state.
Since April 2003, counseling for the detainees and their families
has been conducted by the Religious Rehabilitation Group, comprised
of roughly 21 religious teachers who volunteer their time. In the
past year the RRG has broadened its mandate to engage in a broader
de-radicalization amongst Muslim youth, conducting trainings in
mosques and madrasas.
http://counterterrorismblog.org/2008/01/arrests_and_releases_in_singap.php
