DUSHANBE, November 5, 2014, Asia-Plus — Four Tajik nationals detained in Egypt in September have been charged with having links to the militant group Islamic State, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service reports.
Officials at the Tajik Embassy in Cairo told RFE/RL on November 5 that the four Tajik men, whose names were not disclosed, were detained near the Giza Pyramids on September 19.
Investigators claim the Tajiks were trying to recruit fighters for Islamic State among tourists visiting the historic site, the embassy officials said.
They were told police searched the men”s vehicle and found an army knife, a military uniform, and printed materials calling for people to join the militant group.
The detained men reportedly deny any wrongdoing.
The embassy officials said they are following the situation and hope that the men will be cleared and released.
Tajik authorities have said that some 200 Tajik citizens have fought alongside other militants against government forces in Syria and Iraq.
