Alleged Islamic Militants Go On Trial In Kyrgyzstan
August 28, 2006
Hizb ut-Tahrir leaflets seized in Kyrgyzstan in May (file photo) (RFE/RL)
The six defendants -- all believed to belong to the banned Hizb ut-Tahrir and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) radical religious groupings -- are accused of taking part in an armed attack on Kyrgyz and Tajik border checkpoints in May of his year.
Among them is a woman. One defendant is a Tajik citizen.
Reports say the trial was initially due to open in Batken Region, where the May 12 attack took place. However, authorities decided to move it to Osh for security reasons.
Today's hearings were adjourned after a few minutes. They are due to resume on August 29.
The May 12 attack claimed the lives of several Kyrgyz and Tajik border guards.
In related news, Kyrgyzstan's Kabar national news agency reports two alleged Hizb ut-Tahrir members were arrested on August 27 near Bishkek. Both were charged with inciting religious hatred.
(Ferghana.ru, 24.kg, Interfax)