Iran imposes death penalty for certain cybercrimes

Iran's government has amended its criminal code to allow the death penalty for individuals who commit or compel others to carry out specific cyber‑offences. The reform targets organised digital fraud, including cryptocurrency investment scams and romance‑scam schemes, and also criminalises the recruitment, threat or coercion of persons into cyber‑criminal groups. Authorities say the measure is intended to curb the growth of transnational fraud networks that operate via online platforms. The decision has sparked international debate, with human‑rights organisations warning that applying capital punishment to such offences may breach international standards.

The new law reflects Tehran's broader effort to strengthen national security against cyber‑enabled crime, while critics argue it raises serious concerns over due process and proportionality of punishment.