On Saturday August 4, President Emomali Rahmon signed a number of laws adopted by the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) and seconded by the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament).

Among these laws is the law amending the country’s penal code, according to the Tajik president’s official website.

The amendments, in particular, criminalize public calls through Internet for committing terrorism-related crimes or for justifying terrorist activities.  

Besides, amendments made to the penal code also note that persons convicted of a bribery offense cannot be released after paying a fine.  They will serve their jail terms.