A fine for visiting a fortune teller has been introduced in Tajikistan

The new legislation provides for harsher penalties for consulting with sorcerers and fortune-tellers.

The Majlisi Milli (upper house of parliament) of Tajikistan has approved amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses. Now, hefty fines threaten not only sorcerers and fortune-tellers but also their clients.

The new legislation imposes penalties on those who seek the services of a sorcerer, magician, or fortune-teller, with fines ranging from 50 to 60 calculated indicators (from 3,750 somoni or 405 dollars to 4,500 somoni, or 486 dollars).

Parliament member Mahmadali Vatanzo stated that the aim of the amendments is to prevent the spread of extremist ideology and the growth of superstitions.

According to the authorities, fortune-telling is not just a “personal service,” but a phenomenon that can negatively influence public consciousness.

Previously, the amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses were adopted by the lower house of parliament. Now, after the president signs the new law, it will come into effect. Thus, the state’s fight against fortune-telling and sorcery officially takes on a legal form.

Earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that citizens who consult fortune-tellers would be summoned to police stations for discussions, and their data would be recorded.

In recent years, the authorities of Tajikistan have launched a large-scale campaign against fortune-telling and sorcery. According to reports from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, during this period, dozens of people have been detained on charges of fortune-telling and sorcery. The agency claims that such individuals gained the trust of citizens and deceived them, and this activity is considered a violation of the law.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has repeatedly officially urged citizens not to consult sorcerers and fortune-tellers and to report any such cases to the relevant authorities. According to representatives of the authorities, this campaign is part of efforts to reduce superstitions and ensure public safety.