Authorities in Dushanbe have reported 90 cases of fortune telling and sorcery over the first six months of 2025, according to the Dushanbe Police Directorate.
Criminal charges for repeat offenders
Criminal proceedings have been initiated against six individuals who had previously been caught practicing divination or witchcraft. They are now charged under the newly introduced Article 240(1) of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code – engaging in witchcraft and fortune-telling. All six have been found guilty, though the lengths of their sentences have not been disclosed.
The article, passed in May 2024, stipulates penalties of a fine of 1,500 to 2,000 calculation indicators (estimates) equivalent to 112,500–150,000 somonis (1 calculation indicator unit = 75 somonis), or imprisonment from 1 to 2 years
Administrative sanctions for dozens more
The remaining 84 individuals were issued administrative citations under Article 482 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, which now carries harsher penalties: fines of 6,000 to 7,500 somonis, or administrative arrest for 10 to 15 days.
“It’s unfortunate that some individuals continue to exploit fortune-telling as a source of income, despite repeated warnings,” the police stated.
“We urge citizens not to seek services from fortune tellers and help fight these fraudulent practices.”
Penalties for esoteric practices toughened
On May 8, 2024, Tajikistan’s parliament approved amendments to strengthen legal penalties for engaging in esoteric activities.
Key legal changes included:
- Introduction of Article 240(1) to the Criminal Code, making repeated engagement in fortune-telling or witchcraft a criminal offense
- Amendments to Article 482(2) of the Administrative Code, increasing the maximum fine to 100 calculation indicators (7,500 somonis) and adding administrative arrest as an alternative punishment
These reforms reflect a broader governmental effort to curb the spread of non-scientific and potentially exploitative spiritual practices in the country.
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.
