Kazakhstan convicts 19 on terrorism and extremism charges in June-August

September 2, 2026 at 11:47 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Kazakhstan's National Security Committee (KNB) reported that 19 people were convicted of terrorism and extremism offenses between June and August 2026. The KNB also detained 28 suspects in nine regions on charges including propaganda of terrorism and incitement of religious discord. One convict from Almaty received eight years, and a Shymkent resident received nine years.

Key Facts

In June-August 2026, 19 people were sentenced to various prison terms for terrorism and extremism crimes investigated by the KNB.
An Almaty native wanted since 2017 for participation in international terrorist organizations was deported from Turkey in 2025 and sentenced to 8 years in prison.
A Shymkent resident was sentenced to 9 years for spreading terrorist ideology on social media and inciting acquaintances to violent actions.
28 people were detained in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent and six regions on suspicion of propaganda of terrorism, incitement of religious discord, and participation in an extremist organization.
Pre-trial investigations are ongoing under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code, and other information is not subject to disclosure under Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Convictions and Sentences

The KNB reported that 19 people were convicted of terrorism and extremism crimes between June and August 2026. One convict, an Almaty native, had been wanted since 2017 for participation in international terrorist organizations. He was located in Turkey, deported to Kazakhstan in 2025, and taken into custody. The court sentenced him to eight years in prison. Another convict, a Shymkent resident, spread terrorist ideology on social media and incited acquaintances to violent actions, receiving a nine-year sentence.

Detentions and Investigations

During the same period, 28 people were detained in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and the Akmola, Aktobe, Almaty, Zhambyl, Mangystau, and Turkestan regions. The suspects are accused of propaganda of terrorism, incitement of religious discord, distribution of banned materials online and in their circles, and participation in an extremist organization. Pre-trial investigations are underway under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code. The KNB stated that other information is not subject to disclosure in accordance with Part 1 of Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code.