Media Reform – 2006
2006
In addition to committing fraud and violence against reporters who criticize the government, the courts have continuously beefed up the ability of politicians to bring personal civil charges against their critics. As of 2006, the current criminal code of The Republic of Tajikistan (CHAPTER 17: Crimes Against Personal Freedom, Honor, and Dignity) reads as follows:
Article 135. Defamation
(1) Defamation, that is distribution of obviously false information defaming a person’s honor, dignity or reputation, is punishable by a fine in the amount of up to 500 times the minimum monthly wage, or up to 2 years of correctional labor.
(2) Defamation in public speeches, printed or multi-copied works or mass media, is punishable by a fine in the amount of 500 to 1000 times the minimum monthly wage, or confinement for a period of 2 to 6 months, or imprisonment for up to 2 years.
(3) Defamation:
a) done jointly with a felony or especially grievous crime;
b) for mercenary and other motives, is punishable by deprivation of freedom for a period of 3 to 5 years.
Article 136. Insult
(1) Insult, that is abasement of honor and dignity, expressed in an indecent way, is punishable by a fine in the amount of up to 200 times the minimum monthly wage, or up to 1 year of correctional labor.
(2) Insult:
a) in public speeches, printed works or mass media;
b) in connection with the discharge of the victim’s public duty, is punishable by a fine in the amount of 200 to 500 times the minimum monthly wage, or up to 2 years of correctional labor.
Article 137. Public Insult of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan or Slander Addressed to Him
1. Public insulting the President of the Republic of Tajikistan or slander addressed to him, is punishable by a fine in the amount of 100 to 500 times the minimum monthly wage, or correctional labor for up to 1 year.
2. The same actions committed using press or other means of mass media, are punishable by correctional for up to 2 years, or imprisonment for a period of 2 to 5 years.1“CRIMINAL CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN,” Legislationline.org, accessed January 13, 2015, http://www.legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/1707/file/207…