Today-May 18
Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad was denied entry into Singapore on Monday (May 16) because he is “known to preach extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapore’s multi-racial and multi-religious society”, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said. MHA’s statement on Tuesday came after the Mr Somad, 44, claimed on Instagram and YouTube that he had been “deported” by the Singapore authorities. The ministry cited some examples of his extremist and segregationist teachings, including how he had preached that suicide bombings are legitimate in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict and are considered “martyrdom” operations.
“He has also made comments denigrating members of other faith communities, such as Christians, by describing the Christian crucifix as the dwelling place of an ‘infidel jinn (spirit or demon)’. “In addition, Somad has publicly referred to non-Muslims as ‘kafirs’ (infidels).” Following his comments, Mr Suryo Pratomo, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Singapore, clarified that Mr Somad was not deported. “(Mr Somad) was not deported but did not get a permit to enter Singapore, so he was asked to return (to Indonesia),” the envoy told Indonesian news outlet Tempo. “A visitor’s entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right. Each case is assessed on its own merits,” MHA added. Somad and his travel companions were denied entry into Singapore.” Read more at: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/indonesian-preacher-abdul-somad-known-preach-extremist-and-segregationist-teaching-denied-entry-singapore-mha-1900591
