Russian jailed for fighting alongside Islamic militants in Syria
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 September 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russian jailed for fighting alongside Islamic militants in Syria, 30 September 2015, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/561d04de12.html [accessed 18 December 2015] |
| 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. |
September 30, 2015
A Russian man from the city of Tyumen has been sentenced to two years in jail for fighting with Islamic militants in Syria.
The regional branch of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says Vitaly Makarov, a convert to Islam, was found guilty by a court of taking part in military operations in Syria in 2013-2014 with an illegal armed group loyal to the Islamic State (IS) group.
Makarov, also known by his Muslim name, Yusuf, pleaded guilty.
FSB First Deputy Director Sergei Smirnov said earlier this month that some 2,400 Russians are fighting alongside IS militants and other extremist Muslim groups in Syria and Iraq.
Smirnov also said there are some 3,000 residents of Central Asia fighting with the IS.
Based on reporting by Interfax and TASS
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
