Alleged Members Of Banned Islamic Group Detained In Russia

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says it has detained several alleged members of the banned Islamic organization Hizb ut-Tahrir in the city of St. Petersburg.

The FSB said the suspects, the exact number of whom was not revealed, were apprehended on November 8.

Since 2014, the FSB has arrested nine other suspected members of Hizb ut-Tahrir, seven of whom have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

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

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

Members of Hizb ut-Tahrir insist the group is peaceful.

Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax