PNN – A Muslim rights NGO has condemned efforts by the parliament of Tajikistan to ban “non-Tajik clothing”, including Islamic headscarves.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, “Council on American-Islamic Relations” (CAIR) announced that it condemns efforts by the Tajik parliament to ban “dresses alien to Tajik culture” that widely remove Islamic head coverings, including the hijab. It is said that the draft amendments are expected to become law after approval.
In its 2024 annual report, the American Commission on International Religious Freedom suggested that Tajikistan should be recognized as one of the countries with “special concern”. The report of this commission states that in 2023, the conditions of religious freedom in Tajikistan were dire because the government continues to restrict and fine citizens’ religious activities.
Although there are restrictions on the hijab in public institutions in Tajikistan, there is no law in the country that prohibits the Islamic veil, but this is changing.
MPs also approved new amendments to the Administrative Offenses Act, which include heavy fines for violators. This regulation does not mention wearing a hijab or wearing other religious clothes as a violation.
According to some reports, the punishment for violators varies from the equivalent of $740 for individuals to $5,400 for legal entities. Government officials and religious officials face much higher fines of $3,700 and $5,600 respectively if found guilty.
The draft bills have been sent to the Supreme Parliament of Tajikistan and it is expected that they will become law after approval by the President of this country, Imam Ali Rahman.