Human Rights Violations by the Iranian Theocratic Regime: A Systematic Literature Review

The Iranian theocratic regime has long been a subject of international scrutiny due to its persistent human rights violations, which are deeply intertwined with its political and legal structures. This systematic literature review examines the multifaceted nature of these violations, focusing on the regime’s theocratic foundations, its impact on civil liberties, and the broader socio-political dynamics that perpetuate systemic oppression. We synthesize existing scholarly work to identify patterns of abuse, including restrictions on freedom of expression, gender-based discrimination, and the suppression of dissent, while also exploring the role of international actors in shaping responses to these issues. The review adopts a rigorous methodology to analyze peer-reviewed articles, reports, and policy documents, critically evaluating their contributions to understanding the regime’s human rights record. Our findings reveal a consistent pattern of institutionalized repression, where the fusion of religious and political authority legitimizes violations under the guise of divine mandate. Despite sporadic social movements demanding reform, the regime’s entrenched power structures have largely resisted meaningful change, further exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and inconsistent international policy approaches. The review concludes by highlighting gaps in the literature, particularly the need for more nuanced studies on the intersection of legal reforms, grassroots activism, and global diplomacy. By consolidating diverse perspectives, this paper provides a comprehensive foundation for future research and policy interventions aimed at addressing human rights abuses in Iran.