Man fined in Dushanbe for practicing fortune-telling and sorcery

A 38-year-old resident of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, has been fined for practicing fortune-telling and sorcery, the city’s Main Department of Internal Affairs reported on March 27.

According to the report, the man received citizens at his residence and provided fortune-telling services in exchange for financial gain.

An administrative protocol was drawn up against him under Article 482 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Tajikistan.

By court decision, the man was fined 80 calculation units, amounting to 6,240 somoni (approximately $650).

It should be noted that in May 2024, amendments were introduced to Tajikistan’s Criminal Code to include liability for sorcery and fortune-telling. Under the new Article 240 (“Sorcery and Fortune-telling”), criminal liability applies if such actions are committed within one year after administrative penalties have already been imposed for the same offense.

In August 2025, administrative liability was also introduced for individuals who seek the services of fortune-tellers and sorcerers. In particular, Article 482 of the Code of Administrative Offenses was supplemented with a provision on “using the services of a sorcerer, fortune-teller or magician.”