Communication Research

Identifying and Countering Hate Speech in International Law and the Iranian Legal System

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Kian Biglarbeigi 1
Ghodratollah Rahmani 2
Mohammad Hamid Shahrivar 3

1 Ph.D. Student in International Law, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Prof in Department of Public and International Law, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Allameh Tabataba'i, Tehran, Iran

3 M.A. Student in Public Law, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Law, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22082/cr.2025.2054088.2779
Abstract
Although Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, it must be limited in some circumstances; because absolute and unconditional freedom causes disorder, abuse of rights, and the destruction of public order. One of these limitations is the conflict between freedom of expression and hate speech. hate speech, In short refers to speech that targets individuals and groups because of characteristics such as gender, race, religion, and political affiliation. Today, with the increasing presence and use of mass media and cyberspace by a large number of people in society, their effective role in spreading hate speech should not be ignored; because these spaces have become the main platform for promoting and disseminating hatred. In this article, an attempt has been made to address this issue using library data and a descriptive-analytical method, considering the laws of Iran, which unfortunately, despite the cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity, have not been explicitly prohibited. Ultimately, the authors conclude that although we have numerous international and regional conventions within the framework of the international human rights system that have been ratified and enforced, these documents have not been able to have the necessary effectiveness; because their subject matter is general and there is no direct reference to these statements. Also, these general documents are not properly implemented by countries. In Iran, it is also necessary to formulate clear laws in this field; NGOs should become more targeted in combating these statements; and appropriate programs, including media literacy training, should be pursued more than before.
 
 
 
 
 
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Keywords

Hate Speech
Freedom Of Expression
Cyberspace
Extremist Ideas
Spreading Hatred
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 26 February 2025
  • Revise Date 03 June 2025
  • Accept Date 07 June 2025

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