The State Security Service of Uzbekistan (DXX) issued a statement on the reasons of arrest of Zokir Aliyev, who arrived from the United States.

Zokir Aliyev, 46, a U.S. citizen since 2014, was detained by the DXX on June 16 in the Kashkadarya’s Chirakchi district. According to the statement, Aliyev was on the wanted list for involvement in the activities of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan(IMU), which is recognized by many countries, including the Russian Federation and the United States, as a terrorist organization.

Aliyev entered Uzbekistan legally on a 90-day visa that he obtained at the Uzbek Embassy in the United States after receiving an official invitation from his relatives, who he hadn't seen for over two decades.

"During his detention, Zokir Aliyev confessed to his unlawful activities, in particular, to his swearing allegiance to the IMU in 2000, undergoing training in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and to participating in military operations against Afghan government forces and coalition forces," the statement added.

"In 2005, based on the testimony of other members of the IMU for religious extremist and terrorist activities, the investigation department of the DXX launched criminal proceeding No. 646 against Zokir Aliyev under articles 159, 223 and 244-2 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan", - the message says.

Note. Article 159: Encroachments on the Constitutional Order of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Article 223: Illegal travel abroad or illegal entry into the Republic of Uzbekistan. Article 244-2: Creation, leadership, participation in the activities of religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other banned organizations.