The Rights of Critics According to the Quran and International Law and the Laws of Iran

“Criticism” as a major manifestation of freedom of speech is a good criterion for the evaluation of the degree of democracy of political systems. In Islamic system which requires public consent at two stages of creation and continuation, “criticism of the rulers” or “criticism of their behaviours or opinions” is considered as the right or, somehow, the responsibility of the citizens. Such a right and responsibility which are understood from religious teachings may be exercised by the people independently or in the form of NGOs, civil society organizations, political parties or political organizations and the Islamic system is obliged to ensure the enjoyment and the fulfilment of the right by the citizens. In addition to examining the religious foundations of this right, this article focuses on comparing this right in international law and the Iranian law, then by considering the shortcomings of international documents in this area, it has answered the question that whether any limitation has been specified for criticism or not; and If the law has drawn a line for criticism, in case one exceeds the limits of criticism; according to Islam, international law and domestic law what is the related legal action in this matter?