death_penalty_new.qxd 02-08-27 12:57 Page 49 TAJIKISTAN Moratorium: There is no moratorium on executions in place. Method of execution: Shooting177. Information concerning the place of execution and burial are considered a state secret and relatives are often informed about the execution after a considerable delay. In violation of Tajik law, relatives are often unaware whether a prisoner is still alive or has already been executed178. STATISTICS Number of death sentences passed: According to unofficial statistics179, at least 38 persons were sentenced to death in 2000 and at least 74 persons were sentenced to death in 2001. Number of executions: At least five persons were executed in 2001 although the real figure is believed to be much higher180. INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS Juvenile Offenders: Persons who were below the age of 18 at the time when the crime was committed cannot be sentenced to death181. Pregnant women: Pregnant women cannot be sentenced to death182. The working group, which is reviewing the current Criminal Code, is considering a proposal to exempt all women from the death penalty183. 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 Article 219 of the Code of Execution of Criminal Sentences, 6 August 2001. Article 221 of the Code of Execution of Criminal Sentences. Death Penalty News, June 2002, AI ACT 53/003/2002, Amnesty International, London. p.3. Report 2002, AI POL 10/001/2002, Amnesty International, London. p.239. Article 59 of the Criminal Code. Article 59(2) of the Criminal Code. Death Penalty News, June 2002, AI ACT 53/003/2002, Amnesty International, London. p.3. The working group is also considering a proposal to exempt all men over the age of 60 from the death penalty. 49