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Tajikistan to fine media for unknown words

Darko Janjevic (dpa, Avesta.Tj)August 1, 2016

The authorities in ex-Soviet Tajikistan have set up penalties for "violating the norms of official language," according to media reports. Journalists now face 100-dollar (90-euro) fines for using lesser known words.

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Tadschikistan Tadschikischer Somoni
Image: DW/G. Fashutdinow

The state's terminology committee has created a special group tasked with monitoring the news outlets, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported on Monday.

"There are instances of some journalists using up to 10 words that are not understandable to a regular reader, viewer or listener in their content in a single day," head of the committee Gavkhar Sharifzoda said at a press conference.

"By doing so, they are grossly violating the norms of official language," she added.

The official language in the Central Asian republic is Tajik, which is closely related to Farsi. The media often uses Farsi words and phrases, experts say.

Addressing the reporters, Sharifzoda said the press - under the requirements of the official language - must follow Tajik grammar and spelling rules.

The fines for individual journalists would be between $75 and $90 in local currency, and up to $200 for news companies, officials said.

Rule of Rakhmon

Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon has ruled the ex-Soviet state of eight million since 1994. Last year, he was given the title of "Leader of the Nation" in the parliament.

Tadschikistan Referendum über Verfassungsänderung Emomalii Rahmon
President Rakhmon is praised for restoring stability after a civil war in the 1990sImage: Getty Images/AFP

Critics claim that he has been tightening his grip on power and using courts to target political opponents. In May, voters confirmed changes to the nation's constitution allowing Rakhmon to run for an unlimited number of terms. The amendment applies only to him.

The changes he has made also include lowering the presidential age limit from 35 to 30, possibly enabling Rakhmon's 28-year-old son to soon run for the position.