Tajikistan frees nearly 3,000 inmates under new amnesty

Tajikistan has begun implementing its new Law on Amnesty, with 2,979 inmates already released from correctional facilities as part of the initiative.

The first group of those freed includes 297 women, Khovar National News Agency reports.

The amnesty legislation was submitted to parliament by President Emomali Rahmon in June 2026 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan's independence, in line with his constitutional authority.

Overall, 18,038 people are expected to benefit from the measure. Of these, 11,305 will be released outright, while the prison sentences of 6,733 others will be reduced.

The law includes special provisions for women and juvenile offenders. Among 507 female prisoners, 248 are to be released and 259 will receive reduced sentences. Of 134 juvenile inmates, 99 are eligible for immediate release, while 35 will have their sentences shortened.

The amnesty also extends to individuals whose criminal cases are still pending before the courts or remain under review by investigative and law enforcement authorities, broadening the scope of the measure beyond those already serving prison terms.

By Vafa Guliyeva