Fines for fortune-telling and witchcraft increased in Tajikistan

The government of Tajikistan has presented a new bill to the country's parliament aimed at strengthening the fight against fortune-telling and witchcraft. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

According to this proposal, individuals who consult fortune-tellers and sorcerers will be fined. These cases are considered a serious threat to social security.

Based on the proposed changes, a new clause will be added to Article 482 of the Administrative Liability Code. It stipulates that those who consult fortune-tellers or sorcerers will be fined from 5 to 10 times the base amount, with fines ranging from 40 to 80 dollars.

Over the past year, the Tajik government has intensified measures against individuals providing esoteric services. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has established a procedure to summon citizens who consult fortune-tellers and sorcerers to government authorities and to enter their information into a special database.

This measure is aimed at preventing fortune-telling and witchcraft. In 2024, penalties against fortune-telling and witchcraft have also been strengthened.

According to the amendments made to the Administrative Liability Code, fines have been increased and the administrative detention period extended from 10 to 15 days. In particular, penalties for illegal activities such as fortune-telling and witchcraft have been tightened.

According to data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 495 cases related to fortune-telling and witchcraft were identified in the first half of 2023. This figure indicates the widespread prevalence of fortune-telling and witchcraft in society and confirms that state authorities are conducting regular monitoring against this vice.

Through these measures, the government of Tajikistan calls on all citizens in society to stay away from fortune-telling and witchcraft and is taking firm steps aimed at ensuring social security.