Extremist group busted in Kazakhstan

On November 15, cells of a radical religious group were busted in Astana, Atyrau and Zhezkazgan, the National Security Committee of Kyrgyzstan reported. Twelve suspects were detained on suspicion of promoting terrorist narratives and participating in an extremist group. According to investigators, their goal was to overthrow the secular system in Kazakhstan.

During the searches, prohibited literature and other material evidence were seized from the suspects. According to the national security officers, a number of group members have convictions for grave crimes, including the murder of a police officer, banditry, robbery with violence, theft and rape.