Tajikistan’s authorities have enacted amendments to the country’s Criminal Code, intensifying the penalties for debauchery committed against children.
The Parliament of Tajikistan approved these amendments, which were subsequently signed into law by President Emomali Rahmon on November 13. The changes specifically pertain to Article 142 (depraved actions) of the Criminal Code. The revised law now includes a provision for punishment for committing acts of debauchery or violence against two or more persons who are clearly under the age of fourteen. The penalties range from 5 to 8 years of imprisonment, with the possibility of a lifetime ban on holding certain positions or conducting certain activities.
Even though crimes related to debauchery or rape of minors are “extremely rare” in Tajikistan, the actual numbers may be higher due to underreporting. This underreporting often occurs as the victims’ families tend to conceal such incidents to avoid social isolation in traditional Tajik society.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan, 49 cases of sexual violence against minors were registered in the country last year, with 57 cases recorded in 2021.
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