DUSHANBE, March 12, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- Members of the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament) have seconded the amendments to the country’s penal code criminalizing casino and gambling machines keeping.

The 18th session of the Majlisi Milli of the third convocation, presided over by its head, Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev, was held on March 12.

Speaking at the session, the Majlisi Milli member Mahkam Mahmoudov said the Tajik Penal Code now stipulates that casino and gambling machines keeping is punished by six to eight years in jail with confiscation of property.

Speaking to reporters after the session, Mahmoudov said that before adoption of the mentioned amendments to the penal code, casinos and gambling machine halls had been acting in the country in accordance with the RT Law “On Licensing of Certain Types of Activity.”  Relevant changes and addenda were made to this law as well, MP said.