Deputies of the Lower Chamber of Tajikistan’s Parliament have unanimously supported Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon’s initiative and approved abolishment of articles 135 (slander) and 136 (insult) of the Criminal Code of Tajikistan.

Head of the parliamentary committee for legislation and human rights Mahmadali Vatanov said that Tajik President urged to abolish these articles in the course of his press conference on March 10 on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Tajik Press.

“According to the majority of representatives of civil society and journalists, abolishment of criminal responsibility for slander and insult will contribute to the development of freedom of speech and democracy in the country,” Vatanov has said.