8 members of “Jihadist” movement arrested in Kashkadarya (video)

Eight members of a so-called "jihadist" movement in Kashkadarya have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from six years to ten years and six months, the State Security Service reported.

During search operations conducted by officers from the Kashkadarya regional department of the State Security Service, with support from Internal Affairs personnel, a secret community linked to a religious extremist “jihadist” movement was uncovered.

Authorities identified a resident of Karshi district, born in 1977, who is a highly dangerous recidivist previously convicted multiple times under Articles 155, 159, 2441, 2442, and others of the Criminal Code. He allegedly formed an illegal religious community by recruiting seven individuals from Karshi city and district, born between 1964 and 1986.

The investigation revealed that the group held meetings in private homes where they discussed plans to establish a so-called “caliphate state.”

Members also distributed audio and video materials from ideological preachers of international terrorist organizations related to jihad, migration, and the caliphate through social networks. Their goal was to expand their ranks and spread extremist ideas among other citizens.

The report emphasizes, "The leader and four members of the group, despite having previously served prison terms for various crimes, failed to reform their behavior."

The Karshi District Court for Criminal Cases found the individuals guilty under Articles 159, 2441, and 2442 of the Criminal Code and sentenced them accordingly.

It should be recalled that a similar group of supporters of the international terrorist organization “Tawheed and Jihad Secretariat” was earlier exposed in Kokand, Fergana region. That group was involved in discussions about changing Uzbekistan’s current state system in violation of the Constitution and establishing a “caliphate.” Some members also contemplated emigrating to Syria.