Georgian State Security Service detains two citizens over Islamic State ties

Georgia’s State Security Service said on Thursday that two Georgian citizens had been detained on charges of joining a foreign terrorist organisation and assisting terrorist activities following special operations in the municipalities of Gardabani and Kareli.

According to the agency, the investigation established that the individuals had joined the Islamic State terrorist organisation, pledged allegiance to its leader through the so-called bay'ah, and expressed unconditional obedience to him.

During searches of the detainees and their residences, law enforcement officers seized various items as evidence, the State Security Service said.

The seized materials included a handwritten text containing a bay'ah pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State leader, as well as a ring bearing an Islamic inscription.

Investigators also seized various types of ammunition, a hand grenade, a primer/detonator, and electronic data storage devices, according to the agency.

The offence is punishable by 10 to 17 years in prison.