Document Type : Article
Authors
1 Ph.D. in Criminal Law, Department of law, Birjand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Birjand, Iran
2 Assistant Prof., Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Islamic Azad University of Birjand, Khorasan, Birjand, Iran
3 Assist Prof., Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Islamic Azad University of Birjand, Khorasan, Birjand, Iran
Abstract
In the current age, one of the most important challenges of the international community is the phenomenon of bioterrorism, which has been used by some non-state actors in addition to states. Given the destructive effects and irreparable damage that the bioterrorist actions of non-state actors have on human life, the present article examines the legal aspects of this issue. In this regard, in the first part of the article, the concept of non-states actors and their approach to the use of biological weapons were explained. In the second part, the approach of the international law system to the use of biological weapons by non-state actors is examined, and finally in the third part, the approach of governments regarding the bioterrorist actions of non-state actors and their responsibilities in this field are explained. The findings of this article indicate that some non-state actors tend to use biological weapons to commit terrorist acts for a variety of reasons. Although several international instruments on terrorism and bioterrorism have been adopted so far, these instruments have not been able to prevent the bioterrorist activities of these groups. In addition, many governments in their domestic legal systems do not have adequate legal mechanisms to counter the bioterrorist activities of non-state actors, or for economic and political reasons are reluctant to counter the bioterrorist activities of these groups.
Keywords
Main Subjects
English
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