Six residents of Astrakhan region are accused of religious extremism

Six residents of Astrakhan region are accused of organization of a religious community “Tabligi Jamia” acknowledged an extremist one and participation in its activities, Astrakhan regional Department of Committee of Inquiry of the Russian Federation (CIR) reports.

“The investigative bodies have accomplished investigation of a criminal case concerning brothers Yury and Alexander Avdonin accused of organization of the religious community which was acknowledged extremist by the court as well as Sayasat Alishev, Ishat Kurmambaev, Thakhir Shintimirov and Rakmanzhan Zakhidov accused of participation in this community”, CIR reports.

According to the investigation, the Avdonins being active members of an international religious association acknowledged extremist by the Supreme Court whose activities was prohibited took part in meetings and seminars held by this association.

“They preached among the population of the region to involve new adherents heading travelling missionary groups. As a result of these activities four local residents became involved in the prohibited religious community”, a report on the web-site of CIR runs.

The investigation collected a sufficient evidentiary base, therefore the case with an affirmed indictment was referred to court for consideration on the merits, a report of CIR runs.

The journalists have not yet been informed of the position of the defendants’ defense.

The movement “Tabligi Jamia” was acknowledged extremist by the judgment of the Supreme Court on May, 7, 2009. According to the estimation of informational and analytic center “Sova”, the movement was prohibited without sufficient reasons.

“Tabligi Jamia” is an Islamic missionary movement founded in 1927 having branches in many countries of the World. Radicalism is a typical feature of this movement, it does not acknowledge the state as a legitimate institution and is intolerant of other forms of confession, RIA “Novosti” reports.