Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs to Record Clients of Fortune Tellers and Sorcerers
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan has decided to create a database of citizens who visit fortune tellers and sorcerers in an effort to prevent "criminal acts." This move follows recent measures to tighten penalties against those posing as “magicians” and “psychics.”
The ministry’s press service reported that during operational and preventive checks, it was found that some individuals believe in witchcraft, regularly visit fortune tellers and sorcerers, and even pay them to commit criminal acts while trusting their predictions.
In the past month, more than 150 individuals engaged in “witchcraft activities” were identified, and appropriate actions have been taken against them. The ministry added that citizens who consult fortune tellers and sorcerers will be summoned to the ministry’s offices, where their details and photographs will be compiled and added to the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ records.
In April 2024, the ministry introduced amendments to Tajikistan’s criminal and administrative legislation, proposing forced labor of up to six months for fraud and deception under the guise of healers, fortune tellers, and talisman makers. The creation of a registry for those falsely claiming to be magicians and psychics was also planned.
