Tajikistan amends criminal code to address nationals fighting abroad
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 21 May 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Tajikistan amends criminal code to address nationals fighting abroad, 21 May 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/53a13a47a.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 21, 2014
By RFE/RL's Tajik Service
The Tajik parliament has introduced a new clause into the country's Criminal Code, according to which Tajiks will face criminal persecution for taking part in military conflicts abroad.
According to the new amendment, Tajik citizens who participate in the activities of armed groups abroad would face trial and their punishment could not exceed that for similar crimes outlined by legislation in the countries they fought in.
Tajikistan's Deputy Justice Minister Abdumanon Holiqov told RFE/RL that the bill was adopted in an effort to curb the flow of Tajik citizens to Syria, where they have joined the Islamic insurgency.
Hundreds of Central Asians, including some 190 Tajik nationals, are believed to be in Syria, fighting alongside rebels battling troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.
At least four Tajiks have been reported killed in the Syria conflict.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
