The key facts

  • Ten individuals were detained on October 30 in Atyrau in connection with an extremist group.
  • Firearms, narcotics, religious items, and literature were seized during the operation.
  • The activities of three underground educational centers for children and adolescents were shut down.

Detention in Atyrau

The National Security Committee of Kazakhstan reported the detention of ten individuals suspected of planning a violent change to the constitutional foundations in the western part of the country. The operational action took place on October 30 in Atyrau under the coordination of prosecutorial authorities; all ten individuals were detained simultaneously. This was reported by the NSC press service and Kazakhstani media outlets, including Kun.uz.

Charges Presented

According to the investigation, the detainees formed an extremist group, led it, participated in its activities, and engaged in terrorism propaganda and incitement of religious hatred. During searches at the suspects' residences, firearms, narcotic substances, religious items, literature, and other physical evidence were seized. The NSC notedthat some of the detainees had previously been convicted of terrorism and other criminal offenses.

Underground Educational Centers

In addition to the detentions, law enforcement agencies shut down the activities of three underground educational centers for children and adolescents. According to the NSC, these centers were organized by members of the group under investigation; however, the agency did not disclose what exactly was taught there. Due to the interests of the investigation, other details of the case remain undisclosed.