DUSHANBE, November 12, 2014, Asia-Plus — Deputies of Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) have endorsed a new draft law on demonstrations and street processions.
A regular sitting of the sixth session of Majlisi Namoyandagon of the fourth convocation, presided over by its head, Shukurjon Zuhurov, was held on November 12.
This law on demonstrations and street processions was authored by the Majlisi Namoyandagon deputies Nazira Ghafforova, Amirqul Azimov, Saodat Amirshoyeva and Sattor Kholov.
Presenting the bill, Amirqul Azimov noted that the new law on demonstrations and street processions would replace the previous law on demonstrations and street processions adopted in 1998.
According to him, the new law provides for legal position of journalists covering demonstrations and street processions.
“The law prohibits from making people participate in demonstrations and street processions,” said MP Azimov. “Besides, if organizers of legal demonstrations and street processions violate the taken obligations, police may stop them.”
MP Muhiddin Kabiri, who is also leader of the Islamic Revival Party (IRP), considers that the new law on demonstrations is more democratic than the previous one. Adoption of this law is an important step towards democratization of Tajik society, Kabiri noted.
MP Saodat Amirshoyeva says the law is aimed at protecting rights and freedoms of citizens during the holding of demonstrations, protecting demonstration participants and ensuring public order during public gatherings and demonstrations. “Under the new law, local authorities have the right to allow demonstrations involving up to 1,000 people while demonstrations involving over 1,000 people can be allowed by the regional administrations and administrations of large cities,” Ms. Amirshoyeva told Asia-Plus in an interview.
