According to the agency, the radicalization of youth occurs gradually as a result of the influence of online communications. Under the influence of manipulation, false promises, and psychological pressure, teenagers can be led to adopt dangerous worldviews that justify violence and criminal actions.
In the past six months, the GKNB has identified several cases where teenagers were recruited by members of terrorist groups via the internet.
Some minors were detained at the stage of preparing for a terrorist act, particularly while studying instructions for creating homemade explosive devices. In other cases, detentions occurred at the stage of their production. Such actions, including preparation for them, are classified as serious crimes in Kyrgyzstan, which carry criminal liability.
Law enforcement agencies emphasize that the process of involving teenagers often happens unnoticed, disguised as friendly communication. Radicalization can have a destructive impact on a teenager's psyche, severing their connection to reality, immersing them in criminal circles, and undermining their future.
Parents should pay attention to the following alarming signals:
- sharp changes in behavior and withdrawal;
- alienation from family and friends;
- manifestations of aggressive or radical religious views;
- hidden communications with unfamiliar people online;
- interest in dubious web resources and closed groups;
- justification of violence and offenses;
- increased aggression towards loved ones.
Experts emphasize the importance of open dialogue in the family, attentive consideration of teenagers' interests, and reasonable monitoring of their online activities to prevent such cases.
If alarming signs are detected, citizens should immediately contact local GKNB units.
