Uzbek Refugee Convicted of Terrorism Conspiracy Charge in US

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A jury in Idaho has convicted an Uzbek refugee of three terrorism-related charges after prosecutors said he worked to support a terrorist organization and gathered explosive materials in his Boise apartment.

Fazliddin Kurbanov, a Russian-speaking truck driver who fled Uzbekistan in 2009, was arrested two years ago by federal authorities who said he was determined to carry out an attack on U.S. soil. Prosecutors also said he provided computer support and money to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, which the U.S. government has identified as a terrorist organization.

Kurbanov's attorney countered that Kurbanov was just making empty boasts when he talked about planning an attack, and that the explosive materials in his truck were for building fireworks.

The jury found 33-year-old Kurbanov guilty of three counts including conspiracy and attempting to support a terrorist organization, but acquitted him of two additional counts. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 10.