Hizb ut-Tahrir, an International Threat

Religious-extremist organization "Hizb ut-Tahrir" (literal translation of which is — "Liberation Party”) was established by Shiekh Takiitdinom Nabahony in Bayt ul-Maqdis (Syria) in 1953. Some other sources claim that the first cell of the organization was established in Jerusalem (Israel) with overall aim of reviving "Khalifat" by seizing power.

T. Nabahony — the ideologist and the permanent leader of the movement till 1979, was a member of an extremist group "Muslim Brotherhood". Among other founders of "Hizb ut-Tahrir" could be mentioned Haled Hasan, one of the leaders of Palestinian organization "FATH" and Asaad Tahmimi, the spiritual leader of "Islamic Jihad".

The structure of "Hizb ut-Tahrir” is strictly constructed by a pyramidal principle and corresponds to all requirements of the undercover terrorist organization. Each member after completion of preliminary 6-month courses of "zombiing" on book "Islom Nizomi" (the structure of Islam) swears on fidelity to the movement. The oath, in particular, contains such words: "in the name of Allah I swear to carry out any orders of "Hizb ut-Tahrir" leaders even if these orders do not correspond to my belief".

Self-initiative and non-authorized actions are not permitted to any level members of "Hizb ut-Tahrir". Members of "Hizb ut-Tahrir", whether they are of ordinary rank or heads of regions strictly coordinate their actions with leaders. The effective e-mailing system functions to help in salvation of complicated issues. Questions are mailed trough Internet to the secret addresses of "Hizb ut-Tahrir" leaders ("Kiedat") and within 2-3 days precisely formulated answer is being sent back.

"Hizb ut-Tahrir" also holds an armed wing called "Harakat ul-Muhojirinfi Britaniya". The leader of the wing is Muhammad Abu Bakr (the native of Palestine, 50 years of age, one of the founders of "Hizb ut-Tahrir" cells in Great Britain). According to the data available "Harakat ul-Muhojirinfi Britaniya" was established under guidance of Abdulkaddum Zaium (the former world leader of "Hizb ut-Tahrir", he has died in March 2003) and is engaged in training of military experts in the spheres of conducting chemical, bacteriological, biological war, and also deal with bombs and mines.

In the beginning of its activity "Hizb ut-Tahrir" was recognized in the majority of Muslim countries. In particular, Iran, Iraq, Algeria, Sudan, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Jordan. However, initially anti-governmental character of its activity, aversion of any laws, including laws of Islamic states, open opposition and attempts to seize power, discredit of official authority, support of terrorist organizations, became the reason for banning "Hizb ut-Tahrir" in the countries where they originally developed their activity.

The hope of Nabahoni and his followers that strategic aims of the movement will be quickly perceived and realized through Islamic Revolution were not justified. Therefore "Hizb ut-Tahrir" movement was declined to the idea of seizing power in one separately taken country and spreading "jihad" on neighboring countries.

We shall result some known facts from so-called "peaceful" activity of religious-political organization "Hizb ut-Tahrir":

1968 — attempt of armed revolution in Jordan. Members of the Jordanian “Hizb ut-Tahrir” branch were involved at all preparatory stages. Guidance was performed directly by Nabahony, at the time living in safety in Europe. Attempt has failed, "Hizb ut-Tahrir" members were arrested. That became a big shock for Nabahony, assigning hopes on this revolution and hoping that the idea of "Khalifat" will be acknowledge.

1974 — attempt to decline recruits of "The Egyptian military-technological academy" to military rebellion in Egypt. Guidance was performed by one of the most radical leader of "Hizb ut-Tahrir" — Salah Sariya. Operation was preceded by a long period of ideological “zombiing” of Moslems and young recruits in secret cells. A number of instigators of the revolution including Salah Sariya have been executed.

1974 — the second attempt of seizing power in Jordan failed.

1993 — Jordanian Special Forces undisclosed the latent preparation of assassination of King Hussein (Jordan) by thirty "Hizb ut-Tahrir" activists. Ten of them were sentenced to a death penalty.

Armed conflict of "Hizb ut-Tahrir" insurgents with Lebanese Special Forces and Syrian army in the north of Lebanon from December 1999 till January 2000. The basic slogan of insurgents was: "The modern Islamic countries should be salvaged for a devilish infection dangerous not only for Allah, but also for Moslems, who can be curved only participating in "jihad". By end of special operation 800 «Hizb ut-Tahrir» active members were arrested.

In April 2000 Egyptian Special Forces have arrested 26 "Hizb ut-Tahrir" activists preparing armed revolution in the country. Three of the arrested extremists were ethnic Arabs holding Great Britain passports. Insurgent-terrorists have been sentenced to long terms of imprisonment after investigation.

In 2002 "peaceful" character of "Hizb ut-Tahrir's" activity was demonstrated on Philippines, where Indonesian insurgents - "Hizb ut-Tahrir" members were detained. They are alleged to carry explosives and weapon. All terrorist acts committed by arrested insurgents were coordinated by regional structure of "Al Kaida". Taking into consideration political situation between Philippines and Indonesia, the incident was not devoted to publicity.

In April 2003 bomb blasted in "Mike's Place" cafe located on quay of Tel Aviv. Executors of this terrorist act — Great Britain citizens — Osif Khanif and Omar Sherif, insurgents of British grouping "Al-Muhadjirun". According to the statement made by Omar Sherif, previously he was a member of "Hizb ut-Tahrir's" British branch and only recently has been transferred to its military wing "Al-Muhadjirun".

In December 2003 the attack on Ahmad Maher, Foreign Affairs Minister of Egypt, inside "Al Aksa" mosque (Jerusalem) was accomplished by "Hisb ut-Tahrir" supporters. Leader of "Hizb ut-Tahrir's" Jerusalem branch, Muhammad Hammuri was arrested during the investigation.

"Hizb ut-Tahrir's" "peaceful" activities are also traced in CIS countries:

In 1997 the meeting of Tahir Juldashev (leader of Islamic movement of Uzbekistan) with Nizamiddin Jusupov (born in 1965, living in Karasu, Kyrghyzstan, one of leaders of "Hizb ut-Tahrir's" Kyrghyzstan branch) has taken place in Rawalpindi. «Hizb ut-Tahrir» activists initiated the meeting. In particular, N. Jusupov has met with so called "Abu Mahmud" (coordinator of "Hizb ut-Tahrir's" activity in CIS) in November 1997 in Jordan. During the conversation, Abu Mahmud instructed N.Jusupov to meet with T.Juldashev and to propose him an idea of coordination of their activity. Non-coordinated activities could undermine the common aim of these organizations in establishing the Islamic State in Uzbekistan. The meeting was organized by Rahmatullo Aminiy (around 50 years of age, the ethnic Uzbek, citizen of Pakistan) and took place in Pakistan, where annual conference of "Tablig" has taken place in November 1997. During the conversation T.Juldashev has declared, that armed capture is the only way to overthrow the authority in Central Asian countries. However N.Jusupov informed that "Hizb ut-Tahrir" holds an armed wing "Harakat ul-Muhojirinfi Britaniya" for fulfillment of these activities.

Alongside with Afghani, Tajik, Uygur mercenaries in D.Hodjiev's band grouping, which has carried out armed intrusion on the territory of Babkent, Kyrgyzstan, there were fanatically adjusted "Hizb ut-Tahrir" members from among heads of regional structures, avoiding criminal liability and who have joined the armed wing of "Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan".

In 1999, during combat operations in Babkent, Kyrgyz law enforcement bodies inspected the suspicious car in Osh, driven by Kahramon Yakubovich Abdusamatov (date of birth: 1971, citizen of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, address: Volgograd st, 9, Osh). During the inspection there were leaflets of religious-political organization "Hizb ut-Tahrir" found under the forward seats of the vehicle. During the interrogation, K.Abdusamatov informed Department of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, that he is a messenger of "Hizb ut-Tahrir" cells in Tashkent and Osh.

Ilhom Toirovich Izatullaev from Kokand, an activist of religious-political organization "Hizb ut-Tahrir", who has joined "Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan" in 2001, was among arrested by Kyrgyz law enforcement bodies in connection with the explosion in one of "Ineksim bank" branches in Osh in 2001. He was a member of band group commanded by "Abdurakhman" and coordinated by D.Hodjiev.

On September 12, 2000 Kyrgyzstan Minister of Internal Affairs O.Kutuev has declared, that during the collision between Special Forces and IMU insurgents in Chatkal (Djalal-Abad, Kyrgystan), seven insurgents were abolished. He also informed that “Hizb ut-Tahrir" literature and leaflets were withdrawn. The issue was, in particular, about "Hizb ut-Tahrir’s" intentions to cooperate with a wide spectrum of movements in order to bring "umma" into the struggle with "Kufr".

Several operations on suppression of "Hizb ut-Tahrir’s" antigovernment activity were undertaken in Russia, in 2003. 121 members of the organization (basically citizens of Kyrghyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) have been arrested during the operation. The whole arsenal consisting of 100 grams of plastid, manual pomegranates, 400 grams of trot, two detonators, and also propaganda leaflets and brochures calling the Russian Moslems to struggle with faithless people and to create Islamic State in Russia were withdrawn from the heads of the cells Oybek Jusupov, citizen of the Republic of Uzbekistan (had a counterfeit passport of the citizen of Kyrghyzstan - Alisher Musaev) and Akram Jalolov.

In February 2003 the Supreme Court of Russian Federation has recognized religious-political organization "Hizb ut-Tahrir" as terrorist organization and forbidden its activity on the territory of Russia.

It is an established fact that Rustam Mahmud (also known as "Zubayr ibn Abdurahim") one of the ideologists of IMU terrorist organization is also "Hizb ut-Tahrir" activist, and has been a head of "Hizb ut-Tahrir’s" Namangan branch before departing to the camps of insurgents. Now, "Zubayr" is a close confidant of T.Juldashev and his assistant on ideology questions.

Tajikistan Special Forces received documentary acknowledgement of stable relationship between "Hizb ut-Tahrir" and IMU activists and former Consolidated Tajik opposition. There were weapons, explosives, blasting literature and also D.Hodzhiev's letter with appeals to consolidated forces for achievement of common aims found during the inspection of Anarbaev's ("Hizb ut-Tahrir" Sogd region leader) house.

Those "Hizb ut-Tahrir" members, avoiding the justice have joined groups of Djuma Namangoni insurgents.

In October 2001 A.B.Holmatov and R.A.Valiev from Fergana Valley, members of religious-political organization "Hizb ut-Tahrir", who have left for Afghanistan in February 2001 under influence of IMU functionaries and have joined bands surrended to the law enforcement bodies of Uzbekistan and on their free will admitted their guilt.

In October 2000 Kazakhstan Committee for National Security arrested the group of "Hizb ut-Tahrir" members guided by Abduali Ismailov from Turkestan, intending to distribute leaflets, with appeals for violent overthrow and fluctuation of constitutional system, among visitors and city-dwellers during the celebration of 1500-anniversary of Turkestan. Automatic pistol "Borz" of Chechen construction, hand-made bombs and also extremist literature and leaflets were withdrawn during the inspection of Mamatsafo Abdukarimov - one of the group members.

However the specified facts are denied by "Hizb ut-Tahrir" Supreme leaders and presented as actions of the broken away part, or as local cells self-initiative. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account, that "Hizb ut-Tahrir's" structure, program and tactics do not suppose insubordination or self-initiative actions of its members. Starting from the ordinary functionary up to the heads at a regional level "Hizb ut-Tahrir" members entirely comply with orders and instructions of so-called "Kiedat" ("Hizb ut-Tahrir" legislative assembly) and "Amir".

Nowadays, various religious-extremist structures previously acted locally and separately, (international terrorist bands, "Jihadists", "Hizb ut-Tahrir", etc.) are united into the uniform, widely ramified transnational system, under aegis of the "International Jihad’s front".

In this context "Hizb ut-Tahrir" holds an extremely extremist position, protects Islamic terrorists and tries to call all Muslim world "to rise" on sacred "jihad" against “faithless people”.

Practically every single leaflet, brochure, book, distributed by “Hizb ut-Tahrir” and Internet sites maintained by this organization contains an idea of "jihad" with various proves of its necessity. These statements confirm that through "jihad" "Hizb ut-Tahrir" intends to transform all states from "Dar al-Kufr" (the country of unbelief) into "Dar al-Islam" (the country of Islam) and it could include the armed struggle with "faithless people” if they refuse to proceed in Moslem or to pay tax as a token of humility. Fragments of Koran are frequently used. In particular its interpretation is typical to the terrorist organization "Moslems Brotherhood".

As the main enemies of the organization "Hizb ut-Tahrir" declares such countries as USA, Israel, Great Britain and France. Religious handling of the population is carried out in negative relation to them. Almost in each printed edition of a batch there is an article negatively consecrating actions of the specified countries against developing of terrorism in the world.

The false of "Hizb ut-Tahrir" leaders statements, that organization does not promote neither violence, nor terror, is confirmed by "Hizb ut-Tahrir" Internet-sites and printed literature justifying violent forms of "jihad".

The editions illegally distributed by "Hizb ut-Tahrir" (brochures, such as "The structure of Islam", "Democracy is a charter of heresy", "Al-Vayа" and "Hadar" magazines, and leaflets) propagandize the politicized Islam, calling for civil disobedience and promote kindling of religionism. We shall result some examples; "Without Islamic state there is no opportunity anew to begin life on canons of Islam" ("Structure of Islam", page 59); "All Islamic, including Arabian countries, to a deep regret, are governed by heretical laws and conclusions" ("Structure of Islam", page 5); "The Democracy is a product of human mind. Allah did not grant it. It is not based on suggestion from outside and it is not connected to any religion, granted by Allah through the Prophet" ("Democracy is a charter of heresy", page 12); "Islamic Khalifat is a defender of all Muslim countries. Its construction is duty and the delay in its recovery is not allowed" (the leaflet from January, 16, 2000); "... If so, hurry up with practical acts, blessed by Allah and his Prophet, act with those who is on a correct way of Prophet and Allah, a way to reconstruct Khalifat).

Annotated translation of the article called "General principles of self-sacrifice in the name of Allah", published in # 170 of monthly "Hizb ut-Tahrir" magazine — "Al-Vay" just before terrorist acts in USA in September, 2001, is “fatva”[1] of approval and eulogy of terrorists-suicides acts, the tactics widely used against Jewish population in Israel nowadays.

In particular it is written in the article that "According to Sheriyat methods of struggling against faithless people – “kufrs” are unlimited... Moslems are permitted to use any methods and whether he will fight the enemy on distance using the weapon or face to face, whether he will struggle without any means, or having penetrated into the territory of the enemy opens a gate for Moslems or whether he will direct the padded plane on a place of a tie-up of faithless people not jumping out of it with a parachute, or whether he will blow up for the sake of causing harm to soldiers in enemy's military camps, or having tied with bomb belt will blow up himself and faithless people — all these are allowed, if these means are directed on struggle with faithless people.

The analysis of "Hizb ut-Tahrir" nowadays activity shows, that organization made active its ideological support of Islamic terrorist organizations, and also purposeful handling of the population in religious-extremist spirit.

A number of modern “Hizb ut-Tahrir” publications show open support by organization of religious extremists terrorist acts. In particular, there is an article under the title "The mother stepped into suicide bombing act” on page 40 of “Al-Vaya” periodical (#203, February 2004) praising the terrorist act committed at the entrance to Israel industrial district Erets by 22 years old Palestinian woman Riym Solih ar-Rieshiy, which resulted in 4 death and hard wound of 11 civilians. After the publication of specified article women-suicide accomplished terrorist acts in Tashkent in March 2004.

There are theses under the title “Prepare for them” published on page 52 of the periodical “Al-Vaya” (#205, April 2004) for use in sermons during Friday prayers of Moslems in which the necessity of use of modem armory (tanks, rockets, weapon of mass destruction, including nuclear and chemical) during sacred war "jihad" is justified. In the same article "Hizb ut-Tahrir" ideologists declare, that Moslems should be ahead of others in purchase and possession of weapons.

Uzbekistan borders with five central-Asian states, including Afghanistan and has close political, economic and cultural relations. Presence of these contacts, especially after gaining independence by Uzbekistan, became attractive to various kinds of radical religious-political movements, terrorist and extremist organizations. They consider Uzbekistan with its favorable geographical position as a transit zone for drug trafficking, illegal trade with weapons and other embargoed objects and infiltration of terrorists from Asia to Europe. Therefore, political and economic stability, security in the region is extremely unfavorable for the terrorist organizations. They are objectively interested in escalation of density, destabilization of political situation and security in the region.

Proceeding from this, international terrorist centers annually designate millions of dollars for financing illegal activity, directed against our and neighboring states, both from outside and inside.

1989 events gave Uzbekistan good knowledge of what does the expansion of Islamic organizations means. From that year an intensive introduction into separate regions of Central Asia of radical Islamic ideology began. In such conditions the state has been compelled to take adequate measures. For this reason the development of legislation for combating terrorism and its spiritual-ideological platform – religious extremism became the priority matter for Uzbekistan. The given measure has allowed strengthening the legal base necessary for prevention of spread of radical-religious ideas not compatible with an international adjudicated standards on human rights.

This problem is of exclusive importance for Uzbekistan due to the following facts: only in the period from 1998 to 2002 law enforcement bodies have withdrawn about 600 thousand leaflets and 300 thousand copies of religious-extremist literature. By March 2004 only in separate criminal cases there were more than 30 thousand copies of leaflets and literature withdrawn. Their main theme is propaganda of religious intolerance, anti-Semitism, jihad, necessity in construction of the theocratic state - Khalifat, etc.

Basically "Hizb ut-Tahrir" ideologists are the authors of the confiscated literature. Their conceptual attitude to human rights can be understood from the following thesis: "One of the most monstrous tragedies of humanity is the idea of human general freedom brought by democracy".

By December, 31, 2003, 3244 persons, including 24 women have been called to the criminal liability in connection with excitation of national, racial or religious hostility; an encroachment on constitutional system; manufacture or distribution of the materials presenting threat to public security and public order; creation, management, participation in religious and extremist, separative, fundamentalist or other prohibited organizations; etc. As for March 15, 2004, 2836 persons served various terms of imprisonment for committing the specified crimes. At the same time, 2569 persons, including 21 women were amnestied during this period.

It is necessary to note, that only the Supreme court of the Republic of Uzbekistan considered 51 criminal cases on "Hizb ut-Tahrir" activists, members, heads and also other people connected to this organization during 1998-2004 and corresponding verdicts were delivered for participation in terrorist acts.

In august 2004, Supreme court of the Republic of Uzbekistan has delivered its verdict on 15 persons (F.Jusupov, F.Kazakbaev, M.Mirzakulov, N.Kurbanaliev, R.Jusupov, A.Zulpikarov, K.Sohotaliev, Z.Nigmanov, Y.Umarov, H.Ishmatov, U.Hamraev, E.Aslanov, K.Tujchiev, K.Kajumov, I.Toshpulatov), accused in committing terrorist and subversive activities on March, 29-30 and April, 1, 2004 in Tashkent and Bukhara. During the court hearings, participation of the accused in committing of such grave crimes, as murder under aggravating circumstances, terrorism, religious extremism, seizure of weapons and ammunition, manufacturing, carrying, storage, smuggling of explosives has been established. Nevertheless, court delivered its verdicts based on principles of humanism and justice established by Constitution and Criminal legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The legislation of our country contains a number of articles providing the criminal liability for committing the crimes on religious base or religious covering. In particular we can cite the following article of the Criminal code: article 145 - infringement of freedom of consciousness; article 156 - excitation of national, racial and religious hostility; article 159 – overthrow of constitutional system; article 216 - illegal creation of public associations and religious organizations; article 244"note" - manufacture and distribution of materials maintaining threats to public security and public order; article 244 -creation, management, participation in religious extremist, separative, fundamentalist or other prohibited organizations.

Due to all above-stated the activity of religious-political organization "Hizb ut-Tahrir" contradicts the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan and concerned as terrorist because it includes the following:

1) Organization, programming, preparation and realization of terrorist acts;

2) Instigation to terrorist acts, violence over natural persons or the organizations, destruction of material objects in the terrorist purposes;

3) Organization of illegal armed bands, criminal communities and terrorist groupings, and participation in such actions;

4) Recruitment, support in ammunition, terrorists training;

5) Financing of obviously terrorist organizations either terrorist groups or rendering other assistance to them.

On the basis of the above-stated facts we believe, that the activity of religious - political organization "Hizb ut-Tahrir" must be counted as terrorist.

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