Uzbek citizen arrested in Kyrgyzstan for distributing extremist materials

A 28-year-old Uzbek citizen has been arrested in Kyrgyzstan's Osh region on suspicion of preparing and distributing extremist materials via social media platforms. The arrest was confirmed by the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan.  

The suspect, identified as Sh.N.Sh., a 1997-born Uzbek national, was discovered during an operation involving internet monitoring and analysis. Authorities identified the individual as an active user of TikTok and Instagram, where they allegedly posted materials with extremist and terrorist content.  

According to experts, the content shared by the suspect is linked to the "Islamic State," an international terrorist organization banned in Kyrgyzstan. Investigators revealed that the suspect promoted and sold audio “nashidas” with jihadist themes. These were embedded in videos advocating for the use of religious headgear for women, specifically the "niqab."  

The case has been registered under Article 332 of Kyrgyzstan's Criminal Code, which pertains to the preparation and distribution of extremist materials. The suspect is currently in temporary custody, and further investigations are ongoing.  

This arrest follows another recent operation in the Kyrgyz city of Jalalabad, where 22 members, including leaders of the extremist organization "Hizb ut-Tahrir," were detained.  

Authorities in Kyrgyzstan continue to monitor and counteract the dissemination of extremist materials and activities within the country.