A trial of a group of suspected members of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan finished in Sughd province of Tajikistan.

The trial began on April 23 this year in the Khujand #2 Investigation Center. There were 17 defendants at the bar – 16 of them are residents of Jarbulak village of Oshob Jamoat of Asht region of Sughd province and a 22-year-old resident of Bobojongafurov region. They are from 22 to 50 years of age.

On Tuesday, May 15, public prosecutor demanded from 11 to 25 years for the defendants. The verdict is expected to be announced in the next few days.

The defendants mainly face charges under article 187 part 2 (Membership in criminal group or joining to organizers, leaders or other members of armed groups), Article 307 note 3 part 2 (Organization of activity of extremist organization), Article 32 part 1 – 306 (preparing for crime – Forced capture of power).

According to a source in regional court, the defendants pleaded partially guilty. “Five of them were trained in Vaziristan camps in Pakistan. They returned back to disseminate their military skills,” the court said.

Some of them were arrested by the officers of the Tajik State National Security Committee on October 30, 2011. Other members of the criminal group were arrested later.