DUSHANBE, April 6, 2016, Asia-Plus /Avaz Yuldoshev/ – The Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) today endorsed amendments proposed by the government to the country’s law on advocacy.

Speaking at the session, MP Bakhtovar Safarov said, “The term of passing the qualification that ended on March 27, 2016 has been extended for additional three months.”

By March 27, only 300 of 445 attorneys allowed to pass the qualification test have managed to pass it, the parliamentarian said, adding that more than 900 people had been practicing law in the country before the attestation.

The qualification test for attorneys is conducted by a special commission in accordance with the country’s law on advocacy that was adopted on March 28, 2015.

The advocacy law in new edition that was adopted on November 23, 2015, in particular, stipulates that already convicted persons are prohibited from practicing law.

Besides, persons dismissed from power-wielding and law enforcement agencies for corruption crimes or breach of oath are also prohibited from practicing law.