Law enforcement officers in Karshi, Uzbekistan, have disrupted a 13-member Telegram group accused of spreading radical ideas and calls for jihad and martyrdom, according to the country’s State Security Service and internal affairs bodies. The group was reportedly created by a 20-year-old local resident who had previously fallen under the influence of recruiters for extremist movements on social media. The operation was carried out as part of the nationwide “Safe and Healthy Country” preventive measures. Officials said the group circulated extremist materials and that legal measures are now being taken.
Key Takeaways: A 13-person Telegram group in Karshi was stopped for allegedly distributing radical and extremist content. The alleged creator is a 20-year-old local resident who was reportedly radicalized online before launching his own channel. The case emerged during Uzbekistan’s “Safe and Healthy Country” operational-preventive campaign, with legal action underway.
The case highlights Uzbekistan’s continuing efforts to counter online radicalization and the spread of extremist propaganda, particularly on messaging platforms where closed groups can evade easy detection. In recent years, authorities have stepped up monitoring of social media and Telegram, focusing on recruitment, calls for violence and the dissemination of banned religious-political materials. Preventive work with young people has also become a priority, as digital access expands and online influencers can shape attitudes quickly. Earlier, Uzbekistan’s Supreme Court updated its list of prohibited internet materials containing ideas of extremism, terrorism and religious fanaticism, underscoring the legal framework surrounding such cases. The updated list serves as a reference point for law enforcement and internet providers as they seek to limit access to banned content.
According to law enforcement, the group included people of different ages, among them young people and representatives of the older generation. The organizer reportedly became interested in radical ideas circulating online before setting up his own Telegram community. Inside the group, investigators say, materials calling for jihad and martyrdom were distributed alongside other extremist content. The State Security Service and internal affairs officers stopped the spread of the materials and began taking measures provided for by law. Officials have not publicly disclosed the identities of those involved or further case details.
It remains unclear what specific charges, penalties or court proceedings may follow. Officials are expected to complete a legal assessment and decide on further measures in line with Uzbek legislation. The case is likely to reinforce calls for stronger media literacy, youth outreach and cooperation between platforms and law enforcement. Uzbekistan’s authorities continue to urge citizens to remain cautious online and report suspicious extremist appeals. Authorities have repeatedly emphasized that prevention, public awareness and timely reporting of suspicious activity are central to reducing the risk of radicalization, especially among younger internet users.
Source: podrobno.uz