DUSHANBE, December 18, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- Members of the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament) have confirmed amendments to the country’s Penal Code that criminalize delivery of counterfeit medicines to the country.

The 17th session of the Majlisi Milli of the third convocation, presided over, by its speaker, Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev, was held on December 18.

Presenting changes and addenda made to the Penal Code, the Majlisi Milli member Mahkam Mahmoudov noted that the Penal Code stipulates that delivery of counterfeit medicines to the country is now punishable by fine of 17,500 to 35,000 somoni or up to two years in jail.

The upper house also confirmed  the amendment stipulating that illegal issue of Tajikistan’s national passport to foreign citizens and persons without citizenship is punishable by up to five years in prison.

Amendments made to the Penal Code also toughen punishment for illegal border crossing.  Illegally crossing border is now punishable by fine of 17,500 to 35,000 somoni or two to five years in jail, Mahmoudov said.

In all 36 issues were tabled to the session’s agenda.  Among them is law on the state social order and amendments to the laws on prosecutors, migration, holidays, national border and electronic communication.