Eight Astana residents wanted to go to Syria, but ended up in prison

A court in Astana sentenced eight residents of the capital to long prison terms under articles on terrorism. The convicts planned to go to Syria and join the Islamists there, Orda.kz reports.

According to the prosecutor's office in the capital, members of the group intended to participate in hostilities on the side of radical Islamists. They were discussing plans to overthrow the secular government in Kazakhstan and establish a theocratic regime. The leader of the group also financially supported extremists fighting in Syria.

The prosecutor's office fully proved the guilt of the defendants in the case. The court sentenced all eight members of the group to imprisonment. They received from seven to 20 years in prison. The verdict came into force.

“The Astana city prosecutor’s office warns citizens against visiting places and Internet sites that promote radical Islam narratives,” the department added.