Tajikistan Criminalizes Promotion of Illegal Hunting and Online Sharing of Wildlife Poaching Content
Dushanbe, The Gulf Observer: Tajikistan has introduced criminal liability for promoting illegal hunting and for publishing photos or videos of illegally obtained wildlife in the media and on the Internet, significantly tightening protections for endangered species and biodiversity.
The amendments to the Criminal Code were signed into law by President Emomali Rahmon on December 17, 2025, following approval by both chambers of parliament. The changes expand the scope of criminal responsibility to include the public demonstration and online promotion of illegal hunting activities, marking the first time Tajik legislation has explicitly addressed such conduct on social media and digital platforms.
Under the revised provisions, Article 232 (“Illegal Hunting”) now covers offenses committed “with public demonstration, including through mass media or the Internet.” Individuals found guilty of promoting illegal hunting or publishing related photo and video materials online may face fines ranging from 78,000 to 156,000 somoni or imprisonment for three to five years. The fines are calculated based on 1,000 to 2,000 calculation units, with one unit set at 78 somoni in 2026.
A new Part 3 has also been added to Article 232, introducing harsher penalties for aggravated and repeat offenses. These include illegal hunting involving species whose capture is fully prohibited, crimes committed through abuse of official position, prior conspiracy, or by organized groups. Such violations are punishable by fines of 156,000 to 234,000 somoni or imprisonment for four to seven years.
The law further strengthens penalties for crimes involving the snow leopard, a rare species listed in Tajikistan’s Red Book. Amendments to Article 232(1) establish fines of 93,600 to 140,400 somoni for hunting or killing a snow leopard. Repeat offenses may now result in fines of at least 156,000 somoni or prison sentences of up to eight years, compared to a previous maximum of five years.
In addition, hunting, intentional killing, as well as the illegal acquisition, storage, transfer, or sale of a snow leopard are now punishable by fines of 1,200 to 1,800 calculation units or imprisonment for up to three years. Repeat violations carry fines of 2,000 to 3,000 calculation units or prison terms of four to eight years, along with a ban on holding certain positions or engaging in specific activities for up to five years.
Authorities note that while hunting—particularly of rare and protected species—is permitted only with special authorization, some individuals continue to engage in illegal practices and publicly share evidence of such activities online. The revised legislation aims to curb both the commission and the public glorification of wildlife crimes, reinforcing Tajikistan’s commitment to environmental protection and the conservation of endangered species.
