An Analysis of the Waivable or Non-waivable Nature of the Offense of Disseminating Computer-Based Falsehoods in Light of Iranian Criminal Law and Imāmī Jurisprudence

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Alireza Darzi ramandi ¹

Zahra Mirzaei Rad ²

¹ PhD in Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Judicial Sciences and Administrative Services, Tehran, Iran

² Master's Graduate in Computer Science, Amirkabir University, Tehran, Iran

10.22067/jfiqh.2025.90638.1867

Abstract

Given that virtual space has become a significant reality of contemporary human life (to the extent that individuals spend much of their waking hours within it) crimes that were previously possible in physical space will find increased opportunities for commission in the virtual realm. Consequently, various offenses against the moral personality of individuals occur daily in this space, one of the most prevalent of which is the dissemination of falsehoods. Legal scholars are divided on whether this offense is waivable or non-waivable. The issue currently troubles the country's judicial community, as evidenced by the multiplicity of conflicting advisory opinions issued by the Legal Department of the Judiciary. The present research seeks a reasoned and documented response to this issue. It concludes that, according to Article 103 of the Islamic Penal Code, it is impossible to issue an absolute ruling on whether the offense of disseminating computer-based falsehoods is waivable or non-waivable. Instead, a distinction must be made between instances where specific individuals are the victims of the offense and instances where society itself is the target of the offense.

Keywords

waivable crime

non-waivable crime

dissemination of computer-based falsehoods

Subjects

• Criminal jurisprudence

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