TASS reports that the Western District Military Court has sentenced Akmaljon Ahrorov and Islamic blogger Nurmuhammad Sharipov to 14 and 12 years in prison, respectively for their involvement in organizing a foiled attack on the Federal Security Service (FSB)’s building in Moscow.  Both defendants are reportedly citizens of Tajikistan.

According to TASS, the individuals admitted their guilt in participating in and financing the Islamic State (ISIS) terror group, which is banned in both Tajikistan and Russia.

The court reportedly found them guilty under the provisions of Article 205.5, part 2 of Russia’s Penal Code -- participation in a terrorist organization, and part 1.1 -- financing terrorism of the Russian Criminal Code.  The first three years of their sentences they will serve in prison, with the remainder in a high-security penal colony. 

TASS says the court established that the 22-year-old Nurmuhammad Sharipov, a Russian citizen and better known as blogger Xafizz.01, was arrested by FSB officers at Sheremetyevo Airport in May 2023 on suspicion of terrorist activity.  On social media, he openly expressed Wahhabi views, presenting himself as an Islamic scholar to his compatriots.

It is noted that the blogger fully admitted his guilt and actively cooperated in uncovering the planned crimes.

Meanwhile, the 24-year-old Akmaljon Ahrorov, an auto electrician from Tajikistan, claimed that he "mistakenly found himself among" other members of the terrorist group.  "I fully admit my guilt and sincerely repent for my actions.  I deeply regret my mistake because I was misled by my friends and used without knowing. I didn’t get the chance to understand life as it really is, and I ask for the opportunity to reform, but please do not punish me harshly," he said in his final statement, adding that he made "a big mistake" and broke down in tears.

They planned explosion, but didn’t succeed

As part of the investigation into this case, a total of nine individuals were identified. Two of them entered pretrial agreements and provided evidence against the other members of the terrorist network, with one fully admitting guilt and two partially admitting it.

In Moscow, some of the suspects worked as laborers on construction sites, couriers, loaders, salesmen, and janitors.

Earlier, seven defendants in the case, six of whom were Tajik citizens, had already received sentences ranging from 16 to 22 years in high-security penal colonies.

In May 2022, they reportedly planned to detonate an explosive near one of the FSB buildings on Lubyanka, shoot passersby and visitors to the FSB reception area, and throw hand grenades at nearby buildings.

TASS notes that between March and April 2022, the defendants formed a terrorist group under the patronage of several factions associated with ISIS.  During this period, they conducted secretive preparations, which included manufacturing explosives, acquiring firearms, and gathering information on the location, routes, security, and protection measures.  The prosecution stated that a suicide bomber was supposed to detonate a shrapnel-type explosive device.

According to the indictment, after bombing the building on Lubyanka, the terrorists intended to demand the withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria and the release of individuals convicted of terrorist-related crimes.  The attack was thwarted shortly before the terrorists could carry out the final stage of their plan, according to TASS.