Criminological Analysis of Enemy-Oriented Approaches in Addressing Violent Crimes: From Security-Centrism to Human Rights Violations

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• mohamad javanbakht ¹
• zahra tajarei moazzenei ²
• mohaddeseh Sadeghian Lamraski ³

¹ PhD Student, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran.

² Assistant Professor, Law Department, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran.

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran.

Abstract

Violent crime refers to acts involving the use of coercion and force to harm individuals, leaving devastating effects on victims while fostering instability and mistrust in society. This study examines the attitudes of governments and judicial systems that adopt security-centered approaches in response to violent crimes, employing repressive tools and infringing on fundamental human rights under the guise of maintaining public safety. The primary objective of this research is to identify and analyze the correlation between enemy-oriented approaches and human rights violations within the framework of criminal justice policies prioritizing security. The research employs a qualitative analysis methodology, utilizing criminological and human rights literature to investigate the consequences of security-focused and repressive policies. It also explores state policies that sacrifice individual rights and fundamental freedoms in favor of security interests. The findings reveal that in many legal systems, the tendency toward enemy-oriented criminology indirectly leads to human rights violations, the restriction of individual freedoms, and the acceptance of repressive measures in dealing with suspects. The study concludes by emphasizing the need to reevaluate existing security approaches and suggests creating a balance between ensuring security and protecting human rights. Security measures should not serve as a pretext for infringing on individual rights but must align with humanitarian and human rights principles.

Keywords

• Enemy-Oriented Criminology
• Security-Centrism
• Human Rights Violations

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