DUSHANBE, December 28, 2015, Asia-Plus -- Students have supported adoption of the leader of the nation law.

An action to support adoption of the law that gives incumbent President Emomali Rahmon the title “Leader of the Nation” took place in Dushanbe on December 26.  

We will recall that President Emomali Rahmon signed into law a bill that grants him lifelong immunity from prosecution on December 25.

The bill, passed unanimously by the lower (Majlisi Namoyandagon) and upper house (Majlisi Milli) of the parliament on December 9 and December 18 respectively, officially designates Rahmon as “the founder of peace and national unity of Tajikistan” and states that he cannot be prosecuted for anything he has done while in office.

The law also determines powers of the Leader and stipulates that he will be provided with transport, dwelling and social benefits after leaving the presidency.

Besides, the law gives Rahmon the right to appeal to the nation and participate in important government events and address them after leaving the presidency.

The law also provides for creating archives, library and museum of the leader of the nation.

The leader of the nation will receive pension equal to 80 percent of president’s salary.    

The bill has drawn sharp criticism from opponents and activists who called it a new step away from democracy.