Insulting Persian Ethnicities and Religious Minorities in Iranian Criminal Law

Articles in Press

Type : Research Article

Authors

1 LLM in Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Law, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Law, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

‌Context & Objective: The inclusion of Article 499-bis in the Islamic Penal Code of Iran, added in 2020, marks a significant development in Iranian criminal law. This provision criminalizes insulting Iranian ethnicities, divine religions, and Islamic sects recognized by the Iranian Constitution, categorizing such actions as offenses against national security. This legal framework aims to bolster national unity and prevent actions that could harm it. The purpose of this research is to critically analyze the criminalization of such insults, with a focus on the unique legal structure introduced by this article. The primary research question is to explore the differences between this new provision and similar offenses in the Iranian Penal Code as well as Western hate crime laws.
Method & Approach: This research employs a doctrinal method and an inductive approach, relying on a wide range of authoritative criminal law sources. The study also incorporates detailed records from the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) and the Guardian Council to provide a comprehensive examination of the article’s legal context. The analysis delves into the key components of the criminal offense defined in this article, examining the interpretive challenges and ambiguities present in the text and the judicial practices surrounding its implementation.
Findings: The research reveals that Article 499-bis establishes two distinct criminal categories—those "result-oriented" and "not result-oriented." It also highlights that the law requires a specific intent to create societal violence or tension in the perpetrators, distinguishing it from hate crimes, where the motive is central. Additionally, the study points out the lack of relevance of the perpetrator's motive in the commission of this crime, contrasting it with the approach in hate crime legislation. These findings underscore the unique legal framework established by this provision and its implications for the Iranian criminal justice system.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the analysis of Article 499-bis provides valuable insights into the criminalization of insulting ethnicities and religious minorities in Iran. It offers a clearer understanding of the Iranian legislator's intent and the structural elements that differentiate this crime from other legal frameworks, such as hate crimes. These findings have significant implications for interpreting the law in judicial practice and for comparative legal studies, potentially contributing to a more precise application of the law and fostering a deeper understanding of its broader social and legal impacts.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Journal of Islamic Law Research

Articles in Press, Accepted
Available Online from 04 June 2025

‌ Files

‌ Timeline

  • Received: 23 April 2025
  • Accepted: 02 June 2025

‌ Share

‌ How to Cite

‌ Article Metrics