Tajikistan fines foreign clothing to preserve national tradition – Daryo News

Tajikistan announced severe penalties for importing, selling and wearing clothes considered alien to national traditions. These changes result from the new regulations specified in Art. 18 of the amended Act on the Regulation of Traditions and Rituals and the Code of Administrative Offenses, adopted by parliamentarians on May 8, 2024, according to the Times of Central Asia.

“In the draft law “On the regulation of traditions and rituals”, the appropriate prohibition norm is included in the second part of Art. 18. For its violation, changes and additions to Art. 481 of the Code of Administrative Offenses provide for administrative liability”, the legislative changes were explained by Mavludakhon Mirzozoda, member of the lower house of the Parliament of Tajikistan.

Article 481 of the current Code of Administrative Offenses now covers broader non-compliance with the norms of the Act on the Regulation of Traditions and Rites. According to this article, natural persons will be fined TJS 7,920 ($733), officials TJS 39,600 ($3,665), legal entities TJS 57,600 ($5,333), and individual entrepreneurs, scientists and religious persons TJS 54,000 ($4,998). USD). For repeated violations, fines will range from TJS 46,000 to TJS 86,000.

While recent changes have updated the article, specific changes to fine amounts require confirmation. With the average wage in Tajikistan being around $172 per month, these fines represent a financial burden.

Under current legislation, the changes will enter into force after publication in the official press, approval by the Majlisi Milli (lower house) and signature by the president. However, enforcement of the new regulations has already begun, even though the law does not specify what clothing is considered alien to Tajik national culture.

Experts believe the law likely applies to women’s national costumes, although the text itself does not distinguish between men’s and women’s costumes. This legislative push coincides with ongoing efforts by Tajik authorities to promote national dress and discourage the adoption of foreign styles. Previous campaigns have included a ban on black clothing, black scarves and hijabs, considered alien to Tajik culture and traditions.

Although at some point restrictions were also introduced on mini skirts, sweaters, low-cut dresses, tops and transparent fabrics, they were quickly “forgotten”.

Reactions from Tajik society were mixed. In a street survey conducted in Dushanbe, some residents expressed the opinion that everyone should be free to choose their own clothes, without coercion. This reflects a broader debate in the country about the balance between cultural protection and personal freedom.

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