Tajikistan bans clothing 'that do not correspond to the national culture', hefty fines imposed

Parliament in Tajikistan has decided to introduce a ban on clothing that "does not correspond to the national culture." According to the Radio Free Europe portal, the regulations do not specify exactly what this ban entails, but Tajikistan's society understands that it primarily concerns the hijab.

The portal emphasizes that Tajik society can infer what kind of clothing is being referred to, considering the long history of the Tajik authorities in combating Islamic practices. According to the new regulations, importing, selling, or wearing such clothing in public places will be subject to a fine.

The fine can be as high as 7920 somoni, which is approximately 730 US dollars. For public officials, the fine can be as high as 39600 somonis, or approximately 3700 US dollars.

Experts point out that the regulations do not clarify what "clothing contrary to national culture" means, as there is no clearly defined canon for such clothing. "The main difference between national and European clothing is that Tajik clothing includes national decorations," explains Tajik national costume designer Romish Odinazoda.

Munira Szhahidi, a Tajik culturologist, notes that their "national attire has continually changed over the centuries, incorporating various elements. During Soviet times, these included Russian elements." She adds, "Freedom to wear clothes is important. This means there shouldn't be strict rules or laws restricting my choices. It's absurd."

Radio Free Europe notes that the parliament adopted the changes in the law without subjecting them to public discussion. International human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized the Tajik authorities for exerting pressure and discriminating against women wearing Muslim attire. The same goes for men expressing their religiosity, who often had their beards forcibly shaved.

In Tajikistan, a state that emerged after the collapse of the USSR, over 90 percent of the population are followers of Islam. However, similar to several neighboring Central Asian states, the authorities are doing everything to maintain the formal secularism of the state, fearing a takeover by extremist religious groups. In the 1990s, the country experienced a civil war that lasted several years, with one side consisting of Islamist groups, including those linked to Al-Qaeda.