A 62-year-old woman from Shahritous district in Khatlon province, Khadicha Homidova, has been sentenced to six months in a general regime penal colony for repeated involvement in witchcraft and fortune-telling, the press center of the Khatlon Police Directorate reports.
Despite multiple warnings and administrative penalties, Homidova reportedly continued her prohibited activities. Criminal proceedings have been instituted against her under Article 240.1 of Tajikistan’s Penal Code, which criminalizes witchcraft and fortune-telling.
A court in Khatlon’s Qubodiyon district found Homidova guilty and imposed the corresponding sentence.
The Khatlon Police Directorate issued a stern appeal to those involved in witchcraft and fortune-telling, as well as their clients, urging them to abandon these superstitious and fraudulent practices and choose an honest and righteous path.
“Anyone who supports the activities of witches and fortune-tellers will be strictly held accountable under the law,” the statement said.
About a month ago, similar criminal proceedings were instituted in Dushanbe against a woman for repeated fortune-telling.
According to the Dushanbe Police Directorate, a 49-year-old M. Mirzoyeva, previously fined for fortune-telling, continued her activities despite administrative penalties. She was again detained at her home while providing occult services.
Criminal proceedings have been instituted against her under Article 240 (1) of Tajikistan’s Penal Code; an investigation is under way.
It is important to note that in Tajikistan, witchcraft and fortune-telling are subject to both administrative and criminal penalties: after warnings and administrative measures, repeated offenses are punishable under criminal law.
The Interior Ministry has reiterated its warning to citizens to avoid turning to self-proclaimed spiritual practitioners and to report such cases to local law enforcement.
The crackdown is part of broader efforts by the government to promote scientific thinking and reduce reliance on superstition across the country.
Tajik authorities intensified raids targeting fortune tellers and faith healers last year amid a new government clampdown on the centuries-old practices.
Tajikistan’s President, Emomali Rahmon, said in November last year that law-enforcement agencies detained 1,500 people engaged in “witchcraft and fortune telling” and more than 5,000 “semiliterate mullahs,” a Tajik euphemism for faith healers.
Rahmon said the measures took place on his orders, but he did not elaborate on the timespan during which the 6,500 arrests had taken place.
More than 150 soothsayers were detained in August last year alone.
Police and state media have regularly published the names and photos of alleged healers and occult practitioners detained in the raids.
In June last year, Tajikistan introduced tougher punishments for fortune-telling, which has been outlawed since 2008.
First-time offenders face a misdemeanor charge, punishable by a fine or up to 15 days in jail. Repeat offenses, however, are considered criminal and punishable by a fine of up to $13,500 or two years in prison.
Soothsaying is also banned in Islam, to which the overwhelming majority of Tajikistan's citizens adhere.
Despite being banned both by law and religion, fortune tellers in Tajikistan's society have no shortage of clients who want a glimpse of the future and more.
