Political crime
- Crimes against the state
- Crimes against the body politic
Nature
Crimes committed against the state, its ideology, its representatives and its property are generally considered as political crimes. These may include acts of treason such as complicity with foreign espionage agents; and equally, corruption when it becomes too embarrassing to the government. Acts of terrorism are regarded as political crimes by the authorities and possibly also by other constitutional political parties or movements. Subversive activities ranging from violence to propaganda, but also strikes and peaceful opposition to the government may be considered as crimes by the administration, depending on the degree of political control exercised. Crimes committed by the state on political, religious or racial grounds on individuals and other states are also to be considered as political crimes, although they are not treated as such by the state - crimes against humanity. Political repression in various forms ranging from censorship to torture and equally elitism and exploitative practices reinforced by the political structure also constitute political crimes.
Pakistan's Zina Ordinance is an islamic law which defines adultery, fornication and rape as being crimes against the state.