RBC: Tajikistan backs ban on prosecution for social-media 'likes'

On 12 April 2025 the Russian news outlet RBC (RBK), under a byline of Tatyana Zykina, reported that Tajikistan’s Chamber of Representatives (Majlisi Namoyandagon, lower house of parliament) had unanimously approved amendments to the country’s Criminal Code banning criminal prosecution for “likes” on social media. According to the article, citing Asia-Plus, the draft law “On Amendments to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan” was adopted on 10 April at the first session of the new chamber, presented by First Deputy Prosecutor General Umed Karimzoda (Умед Каримзода). The article states the bill fully removes criminal liability for placing emojis and “likes” under videos and messages under Articles 179(3) and 307(1) of the Criminal Code. The text reported in the article reads: “In the note to articles 179 (addition 3) and 307 (addition 1) of the Criminal Code, add the words ‘with the exception of approval (by placing a like or another sign)’.” According to the article, Article 179(3) provides for liability for public calls to commit terrorist crimes and/or public justification of terrorism, with a maximum penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment; Article 307(1) concerns public calls to carry out extremist activity and public justification of extremism, with a maximum of up to 12 years. The article states the amendment will take effect after approval by the Majlisi Milli (National Council, upper house) and signature by the president, and publication in the government newspaper. Citing Asia-Plus, the article says Tajik citizens have already faced criminal prosecution for “likes” and reposts; per data from the Main Directorate for the Execution of Criminal Penalties (GUIUN) cited by Karimzoda, 1,507 people are currently serving sentences for “liking” videos, reports and leaving “comments and opinions containing terrorist and extremist content”. The article reports that President Emomali Rahmon had earlier criticised the “groundless opening of criminal cases for online ‘likes’” and the treatment of social-media material as evidence, saying “this practice must be ended”. The article also notes comparative Russian practice. Sources cited: Asia-Plus, Umed Karimzoda, GUIUN, Emomali Rahmon.