A Comparative Study about Torture in Iranian Laws and the United Nations Convention against Torture

This article compares Iranian laws about torture with the contents of United Nations Convention against Torture. The common basis for comparison is that both laws of Iran and Convention against Torture identify torture as inhumane practice and contrary to human dignity. But must be acknowledged that Iranian laws about torture are narrower than Convention and only have discussed physical and mental torture of direct and did not mention indirect physical and mental torture. On the other hand there are some punishments like retaliation and stoning in Iranian laws that anti-torture committee has described them as torture. But these differences do not mean that there is no similarity between Convention and Iranian Laws. This comparison not only helps recognizing legal obstacles toward the accession of Iran to the United Nation Convention against Torture but also has suggestions to remove these obstacles too.