Astana, Kazakhstan, April 1
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
Three types of radical groups have been formed in Kazakhstan, Kazakh political scientist Yerlan Karin said at a briefing in Astana referring to the results of studies of international experts on combating extremism and terrorism.
"Around 19 radical groups have been analyzed by us. The first type is subversive groups which were initially formed in accordance to a clear plan. These groups had leaders and a clear distribution of duties: one is responsible for the search for weapons, the other for providing housing. Subversive groups differ from others, as they are created in accordance to a clear plan," Karin said.
The political scientist recalled there was one such group in Kazakhstan created in 2004 by members of groups from Afghanistan which was committing terror acts in other Central Asian countries.
"That is to say, the unfolding of a radical network in Kazakhstan was under the influence of foreign factors," Karin said.
The second type of radical groups is 'jamad', or religious communities, according to the political scientist. They arose spontaneously from the young people who attended religious institutions, and under the influence of the more active participants, who proclaimed themselves leaders and transformed into groups.
"And the third type is gangs. These groups consisted of those who led banal criminal activity engaged in looting, robberies, assaults, and under the influence of their leaders they transformed into extremist groups," Karin said.
The analysis of the situation in Kazakhstan showed that there were three sources of financing the radical groups, according to the political scientist.
"The analysis showed three sources of financing: the first is the personal savings of group members and leaders of the formations. The second source is the money obtained from crimes. The third are donations from sympathizers used by radical groups in other states. So, Kazakhs who participated in the groups in Afghanistan asked for help from relatives," Karin said.
Translated by L.Z.
Edited by C.N.