Tajikistan has begun implementing its new Law on Amnesty, with 2,979 inmates already released from correctional institutions under the initiative.

The first group of those released includes 297 women, The Caspian Post reports, citing Khovar news agency.

The amnesty law was submitted to parliament by President Emomali Rahmon in June 2026 to mark the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan's independence, in accordance with his constitutional powers.

In total, 18,038 people are expected to benefit from the amnesty. Of these, 11,305 individuals will be released outright, while the prison sentences of another 6,733 people will be reduced.

The legislation contains special provisions for women and juvenile offenders. Among the country's 507 female inmates, 248 are set to be released and 259 will receive reduced sentences. Of the 134 juvenile prisoners, 99 are eligible for immediate release, while the sentences of the remaining 35 will be shortened.

The amnesty also applies to individuals whose criminal cases are still pending before the courts or remain under review by investigative and law enforcement authorities, extending the scope of the measure beyond those currently serving prison terms.