17 suspected terrorists go on trial in Tajikistan
Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
Publication Date | 16 May 2012 |
Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 17 suspected terrorists go on trial in Tajikistan, 16 May 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4fbcc8dfc.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 16, 2012
Officials in Tajikistan's northern Suhd province have announced that a trial of suspected members of the banned Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) has started behind closed doors in a local detention center.
The 17 defendants have been charged with terrorism.
Last week, officials said a suspected regional leader of IMU and two associates were detained.
In April, a Tajik court convicted 34 alleged members of IMU on terrorism-related charges and sentenced them to prison terms ranging from eight to 28 years.
The IMU, which says it wants to establish an Islamic Caliphate in Central Asia, had been active in the region, but has moved its operations to neighboring Afghanistan in recent years.
Tajikistan saw a spike in militant activity in 2010 that led to the death of dozens of troops.
Based on reporting by Interfax, BBC, and avesta.tj
Link to original story on RFE/RL website