Supporters of “Tawheed and Jihad Secretariat” sentenced in Surkhandarya (video)

More than 20 individuals influenced by extremist ideas have been detained in the Surkhandarya region, the State Security Service reported.

As a result of operational-search measures, the activities of an illegal group of supporters of the “Tawheed and Jihad Secretariat” were stopped. The organization was recognized as a terrorist group and banned in Uzbekistan by a decision of the Supreme Court.

Authorities noted that some members of the group had previously been conditionally released after receiving leniency in 2021 for crimes related to extremism.

Formed in 2024, the group held gatherings in the mountainous areas of the region under the guise of recreational events, where they listened to speeches by leaders of terrorist organizations. They also discussed plans to travel to Syria to wage “jihad” alongside militants and to commit suicide bombings.

The group established contacts with recruiters from the “Tawheed and Jihad Secretariat” through social networks, where they received electronic instructions on making improvised explosive devices and toxic substances. A closed Telegram group was created to share this material and receive training support from militants abroad.

It was emphasized that four members of the group had already traveled to Syria under the influence of propaganda and joined militant ranks. Criminal cases were opened against them, and they were placed on an official wanted list.

Following trial proceedings, 20 active members of the group were found guilty and sentenced to between 6 and 13 years in prison under Articles 155 (terrorism), 155-2, 155-3, 159 (encroachment on the constitutional order), 244-1, and 244-2 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code.

Other members were shown leniency under humanitarian principles, and amnesty measures were applied to them.

It is worth noting that earlier in the Namangan region, 21 individuals influenced by the ideas of a terrorist organization were also detained.