Uzbekistan: Islamic Radical Cell Broken Up in Tashkent

The Uzbek Interior Ministry has announced the break-up of an all-female Islamic radical cell that had been operating in Tashkent.

The radicals were reportedly affiliated with Hizb-ut-Tahrir, a group that seeks the non-violent overthrow of Central Asian governments, to be replaced by an Islamic caliphate, according to a report distributed by the Interfax news agency on November 18.

The investigation began after the ministry received a tip from two alleged members of the cell, who complained to authorities that they had been forced to carry out "extremist" activities, including the distribution of banned religious literature, recruiting and fund-raising, according to the Interior Ministry.

The cell, which operated in several districts of Tashkent, comprised 27 women and was allegedly headed by Karima Hikmatova, 35, and Muhabbat Sodiqova, 26. Those detained reportedly told authorities that their activities were directed by foreign operatives.

According to a ministry statement, officials did not institute criminal proceedings against the suspects, who were instead released from custody after receiving guarantees of good behavior from relatives and local community council (mahalla) representatives.