Tajikistan’s ‘Witch Hunt’: Four women detained for fortune telling and sorcery
Four women in Tajikistan have been detained on suspicion of providing magical services, according to the Asia-Plus news agency.
The arrests took place in the Khatlon region. The Ministry of Internal Affairs identified the suspects as:
- Niloufar Nouriddinova, born in 1987.
- Mastona Shaidodova, born in 1976.
- Malika Sarakhonova, born in 1958.
- Aitila Taghoyeva, born in 1955.
The women are being charged under the Code of Administrative Offenses for witchcraft and fortune-telling. Their cases are expected to be sent to court, where they could face significant fines.
The ministry urged citizens not to consult fortune tellers and encouraged the public to report such activity. Authorities also warned that clients of fortune tellers are themselves summoned for questioning and added to a law enforcement database.
Tajikistan officially banned fortune-telling in 2008. In 2024, penalties were increased. According to the Azattyk.org news portal, a first offense can result in a fine or up to 15 days in jail. Repeat offenses may carry fines of up to $13,500 or imprisonment for up to two years.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs regularly publishes the names and photos of detained «healers» and fortune tellers, while local television channels often broadcast their public confessions.
