Complete Guide to Iranian Law
Insult and Defamation in Iran: In Person and Online
Insult, defamation, spreading falsehoods and qadhf compared; online complaints, evidence, penalties and defence
Insult, defamation, falsehoods and qadhf
Insult (Penal Code, Discretionary Punishments, Art. 608) is degrading language or conduct without attributing a specific crime. Defamation or eftera (Art. 697) is expressly accusing someone of a crime one cannot prove. Spreading falsehoods (Art. 698) is publishing untrue statements to harm others or disturb public opinion. Qadhf—accusing someone of adultery or sodomy—is a separate hadd offence with its own rules.
Online cases fall under the Computer Crimes Law and are usually investigated with the cyber police (FATA). Preserve the link, user ID, date and the device, not only a screenshot.
Complaint, penalties and defence
These offences are compoundable: complaints must be filed within the statutory period, and withdrawal ends the prosecution, which is why many cases settle through a formal apology and removal of content. Since the 2020 reform simple insult is punished by a fine; defamation and falsehoods carry heavier penalties, and damages for moral harm can be claimed.
Defences include lack of an insulting meaning, legitimate criticism, the truth of the statement, absence of intent or doubt about who sent the message. Shahin Group preserves digital evidence in a usable form and chooses the correct charge.
