Three individuals from Kazakhstan were given prison terms for promoting controversial ideologies
In the Zhambyl region, a trio faces conviction for being part of an enigmatic extremist organization, as per our report, citing the Zhambyl District Court's press service.
Individuals A., U., and D., stand accused of engaging in the activities of an unidentified religious group promoting extremism and terrorism (Part 2 of Article 405 of the Criminal Code).
In December 2024, they orchestrated gatherings within a correctional facility and conducted dawats (sermons, propaganda, consultations, meetings). Their intention was to spread the ideology of a mysterious international religious extremist organization, allegedly referred to as "T." thereby boosting its support base. They encouraged people to strategize the dissemination of propaganda. It's noted that "T." is banned in Kazakhstan.
The defendants' guilt was substantiated, with partial admittance from the accused.
The court took into account the presence of minor children and U.'s remorse as mitigating factors.
A., U., and D. were sentenced to a year of imprisonment, with restrictions on participating in religious activities for 4 to 7 years. The verdict is not enforced yet.
In Central Asia, nations like Kazakhstan have grappled with the menace of extremist groups. These groups often target individuals accused of being members of outlawed organizations, such as Tablighi Jamaat or other religious movements labeled extremist by local authorities. In Russia and Central Asia, movements like Tablighi Jamaat are often prosecuted as extremist, with individuals receiving prison sentences[4].
While there's no explicit evidence of an internationally recognized extremist organization named "T." and its connection to the sentencing of A., U., and D. in the Zhambyl region, it's common for authorities in Kazakhstan and neighboring regions to prosecute individuals under counter-extremism laws for alleged membership in banned groups. These cases typically culminate in imprisonment, especially if the group is deemed a threat to national security[4]. Sentences can range from several years in prison to severe terms, depending on the offense and the court's evaluation[4].
The sentencing of individuals A., U., and D. in the Zhambyl region for activities related to an unidentified religious extremist organization, allegedly referred to as "T," falls within the broader context of Kazakhstan's ongoing efforts to combat extremism in politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice sectors. These cases highlight the region's strict counter-extremism laws, which often result in imprisonment for individuals accused of membership in banned groups, even without explicit evidence of a connection to internationally recognized extremist organizations.
