The Tajik parliament has strengthened liability for the illegal acquisition and trafficking of snow leopard pelts through amendments introduced into the Criminal Code. The parliament's publication "Sadoi Mardum" reported this.
According to the new edition, Article 232-1 now covers not only the acquisition and intentional destruction of snow leopard pelts, but also their illegal procurement, storage, transfer, or sale. For this offense, a penalty of a fine in the amount of 1200–1800 calculation indicators or deprivation of liberty for up to 3 years has been established.
If the crime is repeated, the fine is increased to 2000–3000 calculation indicators, and a prison sentence of 4 to 8 years is applied. Furthermore, deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities is also envisaged.
In addition, the amount of the fine has also been increased in cases where the regime of specially protected natural areas is violated, or significant damage is caused.
