The Tajik authorities intend to mitigate the punishment for inciting national, racial, local or religious hatred. Amendments to the Tajik Criminal Code and the RT Code of Administrative Offenses, prepared by the Prosecutor General, are currently under consideration.

According to the source, if the amendments to be approved by the parliament for inciting national, racial, local or religious hatred, both criminal and administrative punishment would be provided. Now persons accused under Article 189 of the Criminal Code of Tajikistan faces criminal punishment - from 5 to 12 imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the crime.

Sarvar Kholikzoda, head of the Department for Legislation of the Foundations of the Constitutional System, Defense and Security of the Ministry of Justice of Tajikistan, who participated in the revision of the amendments, explained that in three cases: if the crime is committed for the first time, if the act does not contain public danger, if the perpetrator repents of the deed, an administrative case will be brought. In all other cases, the defendant will face criminal punishment, noted Sarvar Kholikzoda.

"Tajikistan intends to mitigate the punishment for inciting national, racial, local or religious hatred in accordance with its international obligations and in order to ensure a fair trial", says in the Justice Ministry official added.

"The Qazaq Times"