Moscow student Varvara Karaulova — known for her attempt to join the Islamic State terrorist group in Syria earlier this year — has been charged with terrorism offenses, the RIA Novosti news agency reported Tuesday.
Karaulova — who recently changed her name to Alexandra Ivanova — was preparing a second attempt to join the armed group, according to the investigation.
She was in touch with a member of the Islamic State and was planning to buy a fake passport, RIA reported, citing the investigator in court.
Karaulova faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
The police didn't launch a criminal investigation against Karaulova after her first attempt to join the terrorist group in June. However, on Oct. 28, Karaulova was arrested on suspicion of attempting to join the Islamic State once again. She is also suspected of recruiting Russians to join the militant group.
Karaulova has plead guilty to the charges against her in court.
Karaulova is not the only Russian to face criminal charges for joining the militant group.
In total, almost 650 criminal cases are being investigated in Russia against Russians fighting for the Islamic State, according to Prosecutor General Yury Chaika, RIA Novosti reported.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
