Uzbek Islamist Group Suspect Brought to US on Terror Charges -Justice Dep't

An alleged activist supporter of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) has been flown to the United States to face terrorism offenses, the US Department of Justice said in a press release.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The IMU has been listed as a foreign terrorist organization by the US government since September 25, 2001.

“Irfan Demirtas, aka Nasrullah, 56, a duel Dutch-Turkish national, made his first appearance in the US District Court of the District of Columbia on a federal indictment charging him with terrorism offenses arising from his support of the… IMU, a designated foreign terrorist organization,” the release read on Monday.

Assistant US Attorney General for National Security John Carlin said Demirtas provided material support to the Islamic Movement through his personal fundraising and recruiting efforts.

Acting US Attorney Vincent Cohen Jr. said Demirtas was one of four defendants currently pending trial on terrorism related charges.

The Justice Department stated that Demirtas could face 70 years in prison for charges including providing material support to a designated terrorist organization.

Demirtas was arrested in Germany and detained there until July 17 when he was flown to the United States, the Justice Department said.