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62-year-old Singaporean Isis supporter who self-radicalised online is the oldest identified, says expert
- The woman is one of three Singaporeans facing travel restrictions over support for the militant group
- Her arrest is seen as a sign of Isis’ continued radicalisation efforts and its recruitment of ‘influencers’ to draw people to its cause
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A 62-year-old woman is among three Singaporeans facing restrictions for terror-related offences and support for Islamic State, in a reflection of how the extremist group’s online radicalisation effort is continuing despite the crumbling of its so-called caliphate in Syria.
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Production technician Rasidah Mazlan, 62, was in contact with multiple foreign entities suspected of involvement in terrorism-related activities, including supporters of Isis, according to a Tuesday statement from Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs.
“Investigations showed that Rasidah’s contacts with these individuals were mainly driven by her deep sympathy for Muslims suffering in overseas conflicts,” said the ministry, which issued her with a restriction order that will see her monitored and prevented from travelling abroad.
Professor Zachary Abuza of the Washington-based National War College said Rasidah was “definitely the oldest woman” radicalised online to be identified by authorities.
He said her case shed light on some of Isis’ “propaganda techniques”, which involve multiple channels pushing different messages to different audiences as well as the recruiting of “influencers” to draw people to the group’s cause.
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