Tajikistan Abolishes Criminal Prosecution for Social Media ‘Likes’
Tajikistan will no longer criminalize the use of “likes” or emoji reactions on social media posts. Amendments to the Criminal Code were unanimously approved on April 10 during the first session of the newly elected lower house of parliament, the Majlisi Namoyandagon. The legislative initiative, introduced by First Deputy Prosecutor General Umed Karimzoda, removes language from Articles 179(3) and 307(1) of the Criminal Code that allowed for punishment for “endorsing” extremist or terrorist content. Specifically, the phrase “liking or other sign of approval” will be eliminated from the law. The reform will take effect after approval by the upper house of parliament, a presidential signature, and official publication. Up to 15 Years for Liking: The Way It Used to Be Previously, Tajikistan’s legislation permitted real prison sentences for online activity. Article 179(3), concerning public incitement to terrorism, carried penalties of 5 to 15 years in prison. Article 307(1), concerning public justification of extremism, allowed for 3 to 12 years behind bars. This justification included simple actions such as liking or reposting flagged content. According to Karimzoda, 1,507 people are currently imprisoned for social media activity involving likes or comments on extremist-designated materials. This figure, cited from the Main Department of Corrections, had not been officially disclosed prior to his statement. The Supreme Court of Tajikistan has also consistently declined to release related statistics to the press or the public. Government Response and Rahmon’s Remarks President Emomali Rahmon had already voiced concern over such judicial practices in October 2024, calling on authorities to end prosecutions based on social media interactions. “Some bodies are bringing cases without grounds and this should be stopped,” Rahmon said at the time. Despite this directive, media reports indicate that security services continued to detain individuals, seize phones, and inspect social media activity. One high-profile example involved the family of journalist Shervon Umriddin. In April 2024, his brother was detained in the town of Penjikent after authorities inspected his phone and discovered likes on opposition-related posts. A similar incident had affected another relative a year earlier. Both were eventually released after paying fines. Legal Experts and Human Rights Concerns Media lawyer Ranget Yatimov recalled that as early as 2018, human rights defenders warned of the risk of abuse stemming from the vague interpretation of anti-extremist legislation. Courts began equating “likes” on controversial content with public justification of terrorism. Yatimov also highlighted that such court hearings are typically held behind closed doors, lacking transparency or external oversight. Following Rahmon’s remarks, lawyers and civil society activists emphasized that rhetorical criticism was insufficient. “If the president has a desire to change the situation, he should officially initiate the legislative abolition of such norms. Otherwise, it will remain in words,” said political migrant Farҳod Odinaev. International human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned Tajikistan for restricting freedom of expression. Criminal penalties for digital activity, including likes and comments, have been widely regarded as a violation of basic human rights. The repeal of this provision could mark a step toward more proportionate law...
