Alleged Hizb Ut-Tahrir Leaders Detained In Bashkortostan

Four alleged regional leaders of the banned Islamic organization Hizb ut-Tahrir have been arrested in Russia's Republic of Bashkortostan.

The Federal Security Service's (FSB) branch there said on August 27 that the four are charged with coordinating Hizb ut-Tahrir activities in the republic.

They were detained one day earlier.

The FSB says its officers found evidence that proves the suspects' involvement in the illegal activities but it did not elaborate.

Hizb ut-Tahrir is a London-based Sunni political organization that seeks to unite all Muslim countries into an Islamic caliphate.

Russia's Supreme Court banned Hizb ut-Tahrir in 2003, branding its supporters "extremists."

More than 35 men and women have been arrested in Bashkortostan for their participation in the group's activities between 2007 and 2013.

Based on reporting by Bashinform.ru and ITAR-TASS