Analysis of the Punishment of Bioterrorism in Iranian Criminal Law ‎and International Documents

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Criminal Law and Criminology and Lecturer in the Department of Law, Faculty of ‎Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr Branch, Islamshahr, Iran. ‎

2 Department of Jurisprudence, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr Branch, ‎Islamshahr, Iran

3 Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Department of Law, , Islamic Azad University, ‎Tehran Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Biological agents pose a serious threat to public health and societal security by flagrantly violating fundamental human rights. In bioterrorist operations, terrorists deliberately use toxic, microbial, and biological substances to contaminate individuals and spread disease. This form of terrorism is more dangerous than conventional terrorism, given its heightened potential for transmission and widespread dissemination within communities. The purpose of the present study is to analyze the punishment of bioterrorism under Iranian criminal law and international legal instruments. From a methodological standpoint, the research is applied in purpose and fundamental in nature. It employs a qualitative content analysis of relevant domestic and international legal documents. The findings reveal that the Iranian legal system lacks a specialized and differentiated policy framework addressing bioterrorism. Although some progress has been made in official documents—such as the Fifth and Sixth Five-Year Development Plans and the Biosecurity Law—serious deficiencies remain. These include the slow legislative process, absence of a distinct legal approach to bioterrorism, weak enforcement mechanisms, and the lack of a precise legal definition of bioterrorism. As a result, certain acts that could be classified as bioterrorism are not clearly criminalized or sanctioned under existing law. These legislative and policy gaps necessitate urgent reform and the development of a coherent and integrated legal strategy. Similarly, international efforts must also be revisited and improved—particularly by strengthening enforcement mechanisms and establishing efficient systems of verification and compliance monitoring.

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Main Subjects

References

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Comparative Law Review
Volume 16, Issue 1 - Serial Number 31
Spring & Summer 2025
June 2025
Pages 283-304

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