In Tajikistan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has decided to introduce mandatory forced labor for individuals involved in illegal witchcraft and sorcery practices. According to the planned amendments in the administrative legislation on offenses, sorcerers, fortune-tellers, shamans, and soothsayers, as well as those conducting religious teachings illegally, may face up to 6 months of forced labor.
The department stated that these measures aim to combat criminal activities related to occultism and maintain public order in the country. The police attribute the spread of such activities to superstitions among citizens who seek out witches and fortune-tellers, disregarding legal norms and Islamic Sharia recommendations.
The current legislation in the country penalizes engaging in witchcraft and fortune-telling (Article 482 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Tajikistan) with fines ranging from 40 to 50 calculation indicators (1 indicator equals 72 somoni). Repeat offenses within a year may result in increased fines of 60-100 calculation indicators.
Since the beginning of March, over 40 citizens involved in such activities have been detained in Khatlon. This crackdown on illegal occult practices demonstrates the government's dedication to upholding the rule of law and combating superstition-driven crimes in Tajikistan.
