21 people influenced by terrorist organization detained in Namangan (video)

Twenty-one individuals influenced by the ideology of the terrorist organization “Islamic State” have been detained in the Namangan region, the State Security Service (SSS) reported.

According to the statement, the detentions took place during joint operational measures conducted by the Namangan regional department of the SSS and local internal affairs bodies. The group’s leader, a resident of the Yangiobod neighborhood in Pop district, allegedly created illegal social media channels and distributed materials promoting the ideas of the Islamic State.

Investigators found that the leader had established contact through social networks with a man from Uchkuprik district of the Fergana region, who is currently working in South Korea and reportedly linked to terrorist organizations. Under his virtual influence, the suspects became involved in extremist activities. They allegedly planned to migrate to conflict zones, entered into marriages without parental consent, and attempted to recruit distant relatives and neighbors into their network.

The SSS said the group created secret online channels, where they recruited relatives, neighbors, and individuals with extremist leanings. Members were exposed to videos of executions, battle footage, and calls for the violent overthrow of the state.

“I fell under the influence of Islamic State propaganda through social media, mainly Telegram. I opened channels and distributed videos of killings, speeches, and manuals. I intended to emigrate to Egypt to study and then join jihad with the Islamic State. I regret what I did. If given a chance, I will stay away from such things, use social media properly, serve my parents and people, and I urge other young people to do the same,” one detainee admitted.

Another said he had been influenced since January after viewing religious content online:

“I opened a Telegram account and began posting videos calling for jihad and migration, as well as photos showing the Islamic State flag. I regret my actions and will not repeat them. I advise young people to be cautious online and avoid this path.”

Authorities noted the suspects had been repeatedly warned but continued their activities in secret. During the operation, religious literature, digital media, and other material evidence were confiscated in the presence of impartial witnesses.

A criminal case has been opened against four of the community’s leaders under Articles 244-1 and 244-2 of the Criminal Code. Two have been placed in preventive detention, while investigations into the other 17 members are ongoing.

Earlier, three young women aged 19 to 21 were detained in Uzbekistan for distributing materials linked to a banned terrorist organization.