Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — An extremist cell adhering to jihadist ideology was uncovered in Kashkadarya region as a result of joint operations carried out by the State Security Service (SSS) and law enforcement agencies, according to a statement from the SSS press service.

Investigators established that a previously convicted resident of Karshi district, born in 1977 and classified as a particularly dangerous repeat offender, had organized an illegal religious group. The cell included seven residents of Karshi city and Karshi district, born between 1964 and 1986.

According to the investigation, the group held secret meetings where they discussed the establishment of a so-called "caliphate." Members also shared audio and video materials promoting international terrorist organizations, with content focused on jihad and the caliphate. Attempts were made to recruit new followers through the spread of extremist ideology on social media platforms.

"Despite the fact that four of them, including the leader, had already been convicted of similar crimes, they returned to criminal activity," the SSS noted.

The Karshi District Criminal Court found all eight individuals guilty under Articles 159 (undermining the constitutional order), 244-1 (dissemination of materials threatening public security), and 244-2 (creation of or participation in religious extremist organizations) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The court sentenced the members of the group to prison terms ranging from 6 years to 10 years and 6 months.