Idaho man in court for Uzbekistan terrorism plot

BOISE, Idaho — An Uzbekistan national living in Idaho has made his first court appearance on charges he gave support, cash and other resources to help a recognized terrorist group in his own country.

Thirty-year-old Fazliddin Kurbanov pleaded not guilty Friday morning during a brief hearing in federal court in Boise and was formally charged with three federal terrorism counts.

He was arrested Thursday during a raid at his Boise apartment.

A grand jury indictment alleges Kurbanov gave money, computer software and other resources to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan — a designated foreign terrorist group.

Kurbanov said he couldn’t pay for an attorney, so federal public defender Richard Rubin was appointed to handle the case.

Kurbanov will be held in the Ada County Jail until his detention hearing Tuesday.