Criminalizing Female Genital Mutilation in Some Islamic Countries Including Iran

Abstract

Background and Aim: This article presents some perspective on Female Genital Mutilation by focuses on Islamic countries law.

Materials and Methods: A handful of legal texts and documents and have been reviewed for preparing this study.

Ethical Considerations:Honesty in the literature and citation analysis and reporting were considered.

Findings: Female Genital Mutilation is usual in some countries especially in Islamic countries due to belief that the Sharia made it necessary or at least called it recommended. Although there is no precise virtual and holy verses or texts approve this view but Female Genital Mutilation became a part of some countries custom and tradition. It is obviously a violent act against girls and women and governments try to prohibit it by criminalizing and determining sentence for its performance. Many international and regional instruments and documents also recommended against it.

Conclusion: in some Islamic countries including Iran there is not specific rule or provision criminalizes Female Genital Mutilation. Here the authorities can prosecute the offender under general criminal law. Because Female Genital Mutilation is a kind of inflicting bodily harm, the prosecutor may make a trial based on Assault. And if it results in victim death the judge may convict the performer to Homicide or man slaughter. On the other hand, in some countries like Kenya the legislator passed detailed and comprehensive provision on Female Genital Mutilation.