Dr. Mohammad Ashouri is a prominent figure in the field of law and a member of the Criminal Law Group at the Faculty of Law and Political Science at the University of Tehran. He, who completed his PhD in Criminal Sciences in France, focuses on legal issues related to various groups, including women, children, and adolescents, taking into account their social issues.

One of the works of this prominent lawyer is the book “Alternatives to Prison or Intermediate Sanctions” as a joint project of the Iran Drug Control Headquarters and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and in fact, Dr. Ashouri is the executive of this project. The preparation of this book aims to fill legal gaps in line with international standards and to increase the effectiveness and judicial skills in dealing with drug crimes, as well as to enhance Iran’s capabilities in the field of extradition of criminals and related issues.

At the beginning of the mentioned book, which in various places discusses “alternative forms of punishment” based on factors such as “criminal rehabilitation” and “electronic monitoring”, it is stated: “Imprisonment of criminals as an official and common reaction of society has not been a long-standing tradition. Criminological studies show that despite all the reforms that have been implemented in prison systems over the past two centuries and have led to some improvement in the physical conditions of prisons, they have not had positive, beneficial, and effective results in the social reintegration of criminals and prevention of crime. These alternatives were initially introduced as substitutes for short-term prisons, but they gradually expanded and were incorporated into the criminal laws of different countries.”

The book is organized into two sections, 9 chapters, and 479 pages. In the first section, titled “Prison Punishment and its Traditional Alternatives”, topics such as: prison throughout history, prison and its alternatives in the light of thought and opinion, temporary detention and some of its alternatives, and traditional alternatives to prison punishment are discussed.

Part two, titled “Prison Punishment and Its Modern Alternatives,” explains these topics: discussing the delay of prosecution with an emphasis on French law, mediation in different countries, intensive probation, community service, daily fines, house arrest or home confinement, electronic monitoring, correctional and treatment facilities.

The book “Alternatives to Prison or Intermediate Sanctions” is a unique work, based on the latest research and scientific findings, the majority of which are currently being utilized by developed or developing countries.

This book, despite addressing a complex legal issue, has a smooth and fluent writing style, and for this reason, it should not be considered solely as a work for researchers and enthusiasts in the fields of law and criminology. Despite thirteen years passing since its first publication, it is recommended to be read by human rights activists as well as those interested in the fields of sociology and psychology.

Book Name: Alternatives to Prison or Intermediate Punishments

Author: Mohammad Ashouri

Publisher: Tendency

Publication Date: First Edition – 2003