Penological Analysis of Discrimination in the Process Sentecing of Foreign Nationals for Drug Offenses: (Comparative study)

In different societies' political and public discourse, foreigners are considered to be responsible for drug offenses and make up a significant part of the criminal population of drugs offenses. Through theories like focal concerns, villain/ victim,  in-group favoritism, and theory of ethnic threat, the present study examines the effect of the offender's nationality on sentencing and its severity in the practice of courts. In this regard, qualitative research methods have been used. In-depth interviews with judicial activists, drug lawyers, and officers of  Drug Control Headquarters (15 cases) were used. The content of documents, including cases of drug offenses conviction (20 cases) and national courts verdicts about drug offenses of foreigners have been analyzed. The Findings show that through over-policing, immigrants (especially from the origin country of drugs or with low socio-economic status) are at the criminal justice system's focus. In addition, media representation of immigrants' crimes and its impact on public opinion and violation of the rules of hospitality by foreign offenders has led to immigrants being more blamable. finally, the lack of access to effective legal protection in the criminal justice system has provided grounds for discrimination against this group.