Two Georgian citizens arrested for joining a foreign terrorist organization and aiding terrorist activities

Officers from the Counter-Terrorism Center of the State Security Service of Georgia have arrested two Georgian citizens—based on a court order—for joining a foreign terrorist organization and aiding terrorist activities, following special operations conducted in the Gardabani and Kareli municipalities. The State Security Service of Georgia released this information.

According to the State Security Service, the investigation established that the individuals in question joined the terrorist organization "Islamic State," swore an oath of allegiance (the so-called "Bay'ah") to the organization's leader, and pledged unconditional obedience to him.

Searches of the detainees' persons and residences resulted in the seizure of the following items as evidence: a handwritten text of the "Bay'ah" (oath of allegiance) to the leader of the "Islamic State" terrorist organization, a seal bearing an Islamic inscription, various types of ammunition, a hand grenade, a blasting cap/detonator, and electronic data storage devices. "The investigation is being conducted under Article 328 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which covers joining a foreign terrorist organization and providing assistance in terrorist activities. The offense carries a penalty of 10 to 17 years of imprisonment," the agency stated.