Responsibility of State Leaders Regarding the Victimization of Iranian Pilgrims

Abstract

Pilgrims visiting religious sites for the purpose of performing religious duties, rituals, and ceremonies must be accorded special dignity and respect. Both the sending and host states, in accordance with international treaties, customs, and agreements, are committed to providing and implementing the necessary and appropriate measures concerning these pilgrims. In the international system, states bear responsibility not only for their own actions but also for the actions of their nationals toward victims or the victims' home country. According to international law regulations, while a state does not bear criminal responsibility, the criminal responsibility of state leaders, particularly in the case of the commission of international crimes, is conceivable. It should be noted that each state is responsible for the actions of its governmental apparatus, i.e., executive, judicial, and legislative bodies, that are contrary to international law. If, due to an act or omission by these bodies, damage or harm is inflicted on foreigners or pilgrims, this results in the state's international responsibility.