The former Soviet republic of Tajikistan will impose fines of up to $100 on journalists who use words that regular readers don't know, the RIA Novosti news agency reported Monday.
"There are instances of some journalists using up to 10 words that are not understandable to a regular reader, viewer or listener in their content in a single day. By doing so, they are grossly violating the norms of official language," Gavkhar Sharifzoda, head of the Central Asian nation's terminology committee, told a press conference.
"There are rules of writing and requirements for observing the norms of official language that we are all obliged to follow," Sharifzoda said.
Individual journalists face fines of 75 to 100 dollars, and companies 150 to 200 dollars, the report said.
The country, which has been ruled by President Emomali Rahmon since 1992 with a dominant party controlling its parliament, is often cited as an autocratic state.
