In the Karshi district of the Kashkadarya region, State Security Service officers, together with internal affairs agencies, conducted an operation that uncovered a hidden religious extremist group called “Jihadists,” according to a Podrobno.uz correspondent.

The main organizer of the community turned out to be a particularly dangerous repeat offender who had previously been brought to criminal responsibility on numerous occasions. He was charged with terrorism, attempting to undermine the constitutional order, distributing materials that pose a threat to public safety, and participating in the activities of banned religious organizations.

According to information fr om the investigation, he created an illegal group, which included seven residents of Karshi and surrounding areas, aged 39 to 61. Members of the group met regularly in private homes, wh ere they discussed plans to create a so-called “caliphate.”

It has also been established that the participants exchanged audio and video materials with radical narratives via social media. These materials contained propaganda for jihad, hijra, and the violent establishment of a “caliphate.” The group's goal was to attract new followers and expand its influence.

It is noted that the leader of the group and four other members had already served prison terms but resumed their illegal activities after the release.

The Karshi District Criminal Court found all eight guilty. Depending on the degree of their involvement, they were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 6 to 10 years.