Muslim-majority Tajikistan passes law to ban hijab

In a controversial move, Tajikistan's parliament has officially passed a bill banning the hijab, a traditional headscarf worn by Muslim women.

According to reports, the new law imposed heavy fines for violations, with individuals facing penalties of up to 7,920 somoni ($700) for wearing the hijab or other prohibited religious clothing.

Government officials and religious leaders who violate the ban will face higher fines from 54,000 to 57,600 somoni ($4,800).

Companies that allow employees to wear prohibited clothing will be fined 39,500 somoni ($3,500).

While an unofficial ban on hijab has been in place for several years, the new law makes the ban official, despite the fact that 98 percent of Tajikistan's population is Muslim.

The move has sparked concerns among human rights groups and Muslim communities, who see the ban as an infringement on religious freedom.