BISHKEK -- Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (GKNB) and the Interior Ministry (MVD)'s 10th Main Department, whose mission is to fight extremism, have shut down at least 16 websites spreading extremist materials, officials in Bishkek announced Wednesday (September 12), 24.kg reported.
Law enforcement personnel have identified 51 information resources containing prohibited materials and detained 40 suspects accused of possession of prohibited literature, added officials.
Authorities also blocked eight social network accounts.
Meanwhile, State Commission for Religious Affairs (GKDR) Deputy Director Zakir Chotayev said Wednesday that his organisation continues work to prevent radicalism among Kyrgyz youth.
Lectures on the prevention of radicalism and extremism, as well as meetings covering theological and regulatory issues, occur regularly at schools and universities across the country, he said.
'[We] tell our listeners that we live in a secular state where freedom of religion is ensured but that we should not confuse religion with radical extremist movements," Chotayev said at a news conference in Bishkek.
"In addition, the lecturers explain that people should not get involved in such organisations, as this is punishable by law," he added.
