Tajikistan Decriminalizes Social Media Likes After 1,500 Imprisoned

Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon has signed a law decriminalizing 'likes' and reactions on social media posts previously considered extremist, ending penalties that could include up to 15 years in prison. This legislative change reverses a 2018 amendment that criminalized online approval of content deemed to justify terrorism or extremism, which had led to over 1,500 imprisonments. Rahmon had publicly condemned these prosecutions last year, calling for them to stop due to concerns over human rights and the country's international reputation. The law explicitly excludes likes and other signs of approval from criminal liability under anti-extremism provisions. This reform occurs amid Tajikistan's ongoing security challenges, including militant attacks linked to groups like ISIS. It marks a significant shift in the country's approach to internet freedom and counter-extremism enforcement.