Statement by the Legal Office of the Hana Human Rights Organization Condemning the New Bill Passed by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Parliament on Intensifying Espionage Punishments
The Legal Office of the Hana Human Rights Organization expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the recent approval of the “Bill on Intensifying Punishments for Espionage and Collaboration with the Zionist Regime and Hostile Countries Against National Security and Interests”, which was passed by the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) on June 23, 2025 (2 Tir 1404).
This bill violates fundamental principles of human rights and fair trial standards on multiple fronts. The legislation includes vague and broadly interpretable terms such as “collaboration,” “assistance,” “disruption,” “endorsement,” or “legitimization.” This ambiguity opens the door for almost any form of political, cultural, media, or social activity—even the use of communication tools like satellite internet—to be interpreted as “corruption on earth” (efsad fel-arz), punishable by long-term imprisonment or even the death penalty.
It is also important to note that this bill disregards many basic rights of the accused, including the right to legal counsel, the right to appeal and seek retrial, and the right to a fair and impartial trial. The provision for urgent and prioritized proceedings in special Revolutionary Court branches, and the imposition of harsher penalties during periods declared by the Supreme National Security Council, raises serious concerns that trials will take place without any adherence to due process or human rights standards.
Alarmingly, even media activities, the sharing of images with foreign media, or participation in protests and demonstrations can easily be criminalized under this bill, subjecting individuals to imprisonment, dismissal from public service, or even execution.
The Hana Legal Office warns that if this bill is approved by the Guardian Council and enacted into law, it will dramatically undermine the most fundamental rights of Iranian citizens. The excessively broad criminal definitions in this legislation make it possible for any critic, civil activist, journalist, or even ordinary citizen to be subjected—solely at the discretion of security authorities—to severe punishments, including the death penalty.
Hana Human Rights Organization urges all international bodies, especially the United Nations, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran, and global human rights organizations, to respond swiftly and decisively to this dangerous bill.
Legal Office of the Hana Human Rights Organization
Geneva
July 2, 2025