DUSHANBE, May 30, 2014, Asia-Plus -- A group of members of Tajikistan’s lower house (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament have drafted amendments to the country’s law on meetings, demonstrations and street processions that ban masks at demonstrations.

The deputy head of the Majlisi Namoyandagon Committee Defense, Security and Public Order, Sattor Kholov consider that it is illogical to wear a mask at demonstrations of support for or protest against something.

“The country’s constitution gives citizens the right to participate in demonstrations and street processions and citizens do not need to wear masks,” Kholov said.

He further added that persons who had a Molotov cocktail with them at demonstrations and did not use it will be held administratively responsible anyway.  According to him, parliamentarians will dsicuss these amdnements, most likely, in the autumn.       

We will recall that the draft law proposing amendments to the country’s law on meetings, demonstrations and street processions also notes that persons using a Molotov cocktail in demonstration and public gathering places will be put on the same footing as persons illegally using firearms.

Under the country’s legislation, law enforcement officers have the right to use weapons against such category of persons.

Some protesters used so-called Molotov cocktails during deadly clashes that occurred in Khorog, the capital of the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) on May 21.  The clashes left at least three people dead and several people injured.  The fatalities occurred during a police offensive against suspected criminals and ensuing clashes between security forces and local residents upset with the police action.