Islamic State is considered a terrorist organization by Russian law. The Moscow student may face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, RIA Novosti reported, citing a source in the law enforcement services.
"There is a so-called ‘terrorist’ article that was introduced into the Criminal Code relatively recently, last year. It penalizes the creation of a terrorist organization and participation in its activities. The crime is classified as serious, the maximum punishment for it is up to 20 years in detention," the source said.
The participation in the activities of a terrorist organization – the crime the young woman is suspected of – carries a punishment of five to ten years in prison, the source said.
It is still unknown whether Karaulova has admitted her guilt or not.
Karaulova, a sophomore of the prestigious Moscow State University's philosophy department, was detained on June 4 on the Turkish-Syrian border while traveling with a group of foreigners allegedly recruited by ISIL militants.
She obtained a passport in secret from her parents and left for Istanbul on May 27. Karaulova’s father said in an interview with RIA Novosti that one of the reasons that triggered his daughter’s escape was an online romantic affair.
Islamic State is a radical Sunni group that seized large areas in Iraq and Syria in 2014.
Affiliated ISIL groups operate in North Africa, Yemen, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
ISIL has been using social media to propagate its atrocities, such as public beheadings and mass executions, and to recruit new members.
