The Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) yesterday endorsed the martial law bill.
Presenting the bill to lawmakers, the Frist Deputy Defense Minister, Emomali Sobirzoda, noted that the law had been drafted for the purpose of laying legal foundation for carrying out events on defending Tajikistan in wartime, preventing aggression or treats and strengthening the country’s defense power.
The bill provides for organizing and carrying out various events during martial law, Sobirzoda added.
Under the martial law bill, the President declares a martial law throughout the entire territory of the country and in individual localities with immediate submission of an edict concerning this for approval to a joint meeting of the Majlisi Namoyandagon and the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament).
The bill, in particular, restricts or suspends departure of citizens from the country and entry of citizens into the country.
In all, the bill consists of 18 articles.
Martial law is the imposition of direct military control of normal civilian functions by a government, especially in response to a temporary emergency such as invasion or major disaster, or in an occupied territory. Martial law can be used by governments to enforce their rule over the public, as seen in multiple countries listed below. Such incidents may occur after a coup d'état.
Typically, the imposition of martial law accompanies curfews; the suspension of civil law, civil rights, and habeas corpus; and the application or extension of military law or military justice to civilians. Civilians defying martial law may be subjected to military tribunal (court-martial).
