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Tajikistan Lifts Criminal Penalties for Social Media Likes and Shares
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has signed a law abolishing criminal punishment for online reactions such as likes and reposts, according to Radio Ozodi.
The amendments remove clauses from the Criminal Code related to promoting or justifying terrorism through minimal social media activity. Since 2018, even a like or repost could result in a prison sentence of 10 to 15 years.
First Deputy Prosecutor General Umed Karimzoda stated that over 1,500 people are currently serving sentences for social media reactions in Tajikistan.
In spring 2024, Rahmon publicly acknowledged the need to end such practices, stating that individuals should not be punished solely for their online behavior. The lower house of parliament unanimously supported the reform in April.
