Six On Trial In Kazakhstan For Islamic Extremism

Six men accused of religious extremism have gone on trial in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana.

The suspects are charged with organization of a terrorist group, preparation of terrorist acts and burglaries, and of planning to murder police, security officers, and the country's top officials.

At the start of the trial on May 15, the prosecutor said that the group's main plan was to establish an Islamic caliphate in Kazakhstan.

According to the prosecutor, the group planned to blow up the Opera and Ballet Theater in Astana and also to send financial support to Islamic insurgents in Russia's North Caucasus.

Radio Free Europe