Suspected Islamists in Tajik terrorism trial

DUSHANBE, Nov 15 (Reuters) A group of men accused of terrorism went on trial in Tajikistan today in the latest crackdown on suspected members of an Islamist extremist group banned in Central Asia.

The group, known as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, was set up in the 1990s aiming to create a caliphate in the region. Analysts believe it is now defunct and poses no security threat.

Judge Nur Nurov told reporters the 11 suspects included two Uzbek nationals and a regional official from the opposition Islamic Revival Party. The trial is being held in the capital Dushanbe.

Governments in Central Asia have been criticised in the West for using the Islamist threat to clamp down on dissent and religious freedom.

Guerrillas of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan fought in Afghanistan alongside Taliban forces but the group was largely destroyed by the U S-led military campaign that started there in 2001, security analysts say.

REUTERS PB BS1706