Tajikistan Decriminalizes Likes and Other Reactions to Provocative Social Media Posts

Tajik citizens need no longer fear that they will be imprisoned for clicking “like” on social media posts that the Tajik authorities do not like. Among several laws that Tajik President Emomali Rahmon signed on May 14 was one that decriminalized liking posts on social networks that originate from individuals or organizations the Tajik government considers extremist. Crackdown on Social Media In 2018, President Rahmon signed amendments to Article 179 of the Criminal Code, making it a crime to repost, comment favorably on, or like posts that, in the opinion of Tajik authorities, are public calls to commit or justify acts of violence and terrorism. According to that law, those found guilty of liking such posts face up to 15 years in prison. Since the law came into effect, 1,507 Tajik citizens have been imprisoned. The Tajik authorities often have a broad interpretation of what constitutes public calls to commit or justify serious crimes or acts of terrorism, but it usually boils down to comments that are critical of the Tajik government. Weeks after the law was passed, Alijon Sharipov, a resident of the Vakhsh district in Tajikistan’s southern Khatlon Region, was sentenced to 9.5 years in prison for reposting a video of an interview with the leader of the banned Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, Muhiddin Kabiri. In July 2019, Ibrohim Kosimov from the western Tajik city of Panjakent received the same prison sentence for “pushing ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ on the posts belong[ing] to opposition figures.” An activist of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan, Rustam Mamajonov, was sentenced to seven years in prison in June 2021 for reposting a video of Sharofiddin Gadoyev, a leader of the banned organization, Group 24. Mamajonov, who was 59 years old at the time, said he did not know how the video appeared on his Facebook page and the repost was a mistake caused by his poor knowledge of how to use the platform. Tajik political activist Abdullo Shamsiddin was deported from Germany back to Tajikistan in January 2023 and was convicted weeks later in March of sedition and sentenced to seven years in prison. Shamsiddin’s trial was held behind closed doors and it was difficult to obtain details about the case, but apparently, he was convicted for clicking “like” on a social network post, though there is no information about what was in the post. Shamsiddinov’s case shows the social network use of Tajik citizens who are outside Tajikistan is also being monitored by Tajik authorities. A Strange Change of Heart The reasons for the decision to decriminalize “posting a like or other sign on social networks,” as it officially reads in the law Rahmon signed, is unclear. Certainly, rights groups have called on the Tajik authorities to overturn the decision to criminalize likes, comments, or reposts of what to the Tajik government are undesirable posts on social networks. However, for years Tajikistan’s government has ignored appeals from rights organizations, the United Nations, and individual governments over the Tajik authorities’ rights abuses....

Unlocking Potential: Education Reform Necessary for Central Asia’s Economic Rise

Central Asian countries have made remarkable progress in providing universal access to education, showcasing their commitment to developing their human capital. According to recent data, the region boasts impressive enrolment rates, with students averaging 12.6 years of primary and secondary education — nearing the maximum limit of 14 years. Even more striking is that approximately 40% of young adults successfully graduate from universities, exceeding the global average of 31%, and private education in the region is also growing competitively, with the number of higher education institutions in particular doubling in the last two to five years, reflecting the region's commitment to higher education. Despite the significant strides made in access to education and levels of academic achievement, a disconcerting trend is emerging: students' academic performance is declining. This troubling shift becomes apparent through the diminishing scores recorded on standardized assessments, most notably the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), which gauges the competencies of 15-year-olds globally. Over the last decade, the decline in math scores among Central Asian students has been particularly alarming, reflecting a staggering regression equivalent to the loss of an entire year of formal schooling. This deterioration in academic performance raises critical concerns, as it jeopardizes not only the prospects of these students but the whole region's broader economic potential and workforce capabilities. The implications of such a decline are profound, threatening to undermine the foundation of growth and innovation that education is meant to support. Mental arithmetic is traditionally defined as the ability to perform precise calculations without any reliance on external tools such as paper, pencils, mechanical calculators, or computers. This skill, widely known is crucial in a child's mathematical education and development. In Central Asia, mental arithmetic has gained immense popularity as an educational approach, particularly targeting children between the ages of 4 and 16. This method emphasizes the cultivation of mental calculation skills through various engaging tools, with the abacus being one of the most prominent. Instead of depending solely on written calculations or electronic devices, this approach aims to enhance a child’s cognitive abilities, fostering essential skills such as mental retention, focus, and practical problem-solving strategies. Moreover, it instills confidence in their mathematical capabilities while nurturing a genuine appreciation for the subject. By mastering mental arithmetic, students improve their mathematical prowess and gain significant advantages — especially for those aspiring to enter fields such as policymaking that rely heavily on Information technology, science, statistics, and economics. While modern technology has introduced tools like calculators and sophisticated spreadsheets to handle complex computations, the benefits of proficient mental math skills are undeniable. Such skills can significantly enhance a policymaker’s efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making capabilities in various real-world scenarios. Here are some reasons why these skills are crucial: Faster Data Analysis and Estimations Economists often deal with large datasets, percentages, and financial projections. Mental arithmetic helps them quickly estimate trends, identify errors, and make fast decisions without always relying on tools. Improved Problem-Solving and Logical Thinking Mental math strengthens the brain’s cognitive flexibility, helping economists...