Ontology of Crimes Against Administrative Integrity in Iran’s Islamic Penal Bill with Reference to Afghan Criminal Law

Abstract

Administrative integrity is one of the fundamental pillars of good governance and sustainable development, whereas administrative corruption represents the most serious threat to the efficiency of legal and political systems. The present study, titled “Ontology of Crimes Against Administrative Integrity in Iran’s Islamic Penal Bill with Reference to Afghan Criminal Law,” aims to explain the theoretical foundations, identify manifestations, and comparatively analyze the criminal policy of both countries concerning administrative crimes. The research method is descriptive–analytical, based on documentary study and comparative analysis between the criminal laws of Iran and Afghanistan. The findings indicate that although both countries share jurisprudential and cultural commonalities, they face institutional weaknesses and implementation deficiencies in enforcing anti-corruption laws. In Iran, the dispersion and inconsistency of provisions within the Islamic Penal Bill and the lack of criminalization for certain cases stipulated in the Merida Convention—such as bribery of foreign officials and illicit enrichment—have resulted in incomplete alignment between domestic legislation and international standards. In Afghanistan, political instability, weak judicial oversight, and the absence of institutional independence have hindered the full realization of administrative integrity. According to the study’s results, legislative reform through revision and harmonization of the Islamic Penal Bill, strengthening independent oversight bodies, decriminalizing minor offenses while focusing on major crimes, enhancing ethical and professional education of public servants, expanding information transparency, and protecting whistleblowers could constitute effective steps toward compliance with the Merida Convention and improvement of the administrative integrity system. Overall, achieving administrative integrity depends on political will, transparent legislation, and an organizational culture grounded in accountability and fiduciary responsibility—essential prerequisites for attaining social justice and public trust.