Kashkadarya region: “Jihadists” group exposed, sentences announced!

In Kashkadarya region, the activities of an illegal religious group engaged in extremist actions were terminated. As a result of operational search measures conducted jointly by employees of the State Security Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a clandestine community affiliated with the religious extremist movement known as "Jihadists," consisting of eight individuals, was identified and its operations completely dismantled.

It became known that this underground group was headed by a previously convicted dangerous recidivist born in 1977, residing in Karshi district. He had been previously prosecuted multiple times for crimes related to extremism, terrorism, and threats to national security. Despite this, he failed to draw appropriate conclusions from his past actions and chose once again to engage in criminal activity. Around him gathered seven other individuals, born between 1964 and 1986, who lived in Karshi city and Karshi district.

According to investigative materials, members of this group regularly conducted illegal meetings in their private residences, propagating ideas about the establishment of a “Caliphate,” disseminating propaganda against the existing constitutional order, and producing and distributing various extremist materials threatening state and public security.

The individuals were also active on social media. They spread audio and video materials produced by international terrorist organizations online, with the intent of poisoning citizens' minds and recruiting new members into their ranks. It was established that they attempted to popularize extremist ideologies among young people and various segments of society.

Notably, the group's leader and four of his closest associates had previously committed serious crimes, serving sentences behind bars. Unfortunately, rather than learning from these punishments, they once again embarked on a criminal path.

During the operational measures, law enforcement agencies confiscated a significant amount of extremist literature, audio and video materials, hazardous content disseminated on the internet, and other material evidence from group members, all of which were included as evidence in the investigation.

The criminal case opened against all members of this illegal religious extremist group was examined by the Karshi District Court for Criminal Cases. During the court proceedings, each defendant was found guilty under Articles 159 (attempts against the constitutional order of the Republic of Uzbekistan), 244-1 (preparation, storage, dissemination, or demonstration of materials threatening public safety and order), and 244-2 (creation, leadership, or participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist, or other banned organizations) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Although each defendant partially acknowledged their actions during the trial, their crimes were fully substantiated by the court and recognized as a significant threat to public security.

Consequently, by court decision, the members of this illegal extremist group were sentenced to imprisonment terms ranging from 6 years to 10 years and 6 months. They will serve their sentences in general-regime penal colonies.

This incident once again demonstrates the seriousness and uncompromising stance of our country in the fight against extremism and terrorism. Thanks to the effective measures taken by the State Security Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the peace and security of our people are being ensured.

Legislation in the Republic of Uzbekistan continues to tighten penalties for such crimes. The country's policy of zero tolerance for any illegal activities that threaten public security further confirms this stance.

The editorial board of Zamin.uz fully supports the efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating all illegal actions threatening the security of our country. We call upon all citizens to remain vigilant and actively participate together in preserving peace in our nation. The tranquility of our people is our greatest treasure!