A resident of Tashkent has been sentenced to six years in prison for attempting to participate in terrorist activities and involving his relatives in extremism, the State Security Service (SSS) reported.

According to the investigation, the man fell under the remote influence of an individual from Uzbekistan who has been living in Syria since 2018 and participating in armed group activities. Succumbing to the calls of his former neighbor, the Tashkent resident sold his car to finance his escape to the conflict zone.

Using social media, the recruiter purposefully agitated among his former classmates and neighbors, distributing extremist materials and destructive videos. Under this influence, the defendant developed an escape plan involving transit through Kazakhstan and Turkey.

The investigation proved that the defendant actively agitated his relatives and colleagues to follow his example, presenting extremist ideas as a religious duty. During searches, lectures and materials promoting religious fanaticism were found in the possession of the detainees.

As a result of his destructive activities, he managed to recruit four more people, who also began preparing to leave for the combat zone.

During the trial, the defendant pleaded guilty, citing a lack of religious literacy and the harmful influence of online content.

The court found him guilty of crimes under Part 2 of Article 156 (inciting hatred) and Part 1 of Article 244-2 (participation in extremist organizations) of the Criminal Code. The Tashkent resident was sentenced to six years in prison. The remaining group members will soon face trial.

Source: podrobno.uz