AMMAN — A policy paper published by the Geneva-based
independent organization,
Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, called on
Jordanian authorities to lift all restrictions on freedom of opinion and
expression in the Kingdom.
اضافة اعلان
The call included canceling all legal provisions that could
be used to undermine liberties.
The policy paper stated that the level of freedom of opinion
and expression in Jordan has continuously been fluctuating between allowing
limited criticism of public authorities, and directly or indirectly restricting
entities and individuals, particularly in the media, activities, unionists, and
political opponents.
Most prominent violationsOne of the most prominent violations that journalists and
opinion makers in Jordan face as a result of exercising their legitimate rights
to freedom of opinion, expression, publication, and criticism is the arbitrary
use of the “
Crime Prevention Law.”
Additional violations include the use of the “
Cybercrime Law” to restrict opponents’ freedoms, as well as the disruption or
permanent banning of certain social media platforms during protests, such as TikTok,
which is still banned today.
The procedures, practices, and laws that limit freedom of
opinion and expression have resulted in an ongoing state of self-censorship
among bloggers, and opinion holders.
The paper continued to highlight that a number of these
people refrain from publicly sharing their views on public matters due to the
fear of being harassed or persecuted.
Jordanian Teachers Syndicate shutdownThe policy paper examined the recent unjustified security
crackdowns on freedom of expression in the Kingdom, such as the arrest of
several political actors, and repeated administrative detention of some
activists and members of the Jordanian Teachers’ Syndicate.
Authorities continue to shut down the
Teachers’ Syndicate,
despite the issuance of several judicial decisions ordering the resumption of
activities and nullifying the government’s decision to dissolve it.
Administrative detention to restrict freedomJordanian authorities’ widespread use of administrative
detention to restrict freedom of expression and peaceful assemblies was used to
detain activists for varying periods of time, either as punishment for previous
activities, or to prevent them from participating in future peaceful assemblies
the monitor said.
The policy paper also highlighted the use of evidence as a
tool of political repression to arrest dozens of teachers for their
participation in the protests following the dissolution of the Teachers’
Syndicate.
The former deputy head of the Teachers’ Syndicate, Nasser
Al-Nawasra, was arrested on his way to a hospital on April 4, 2022.
Indefinite detentionFurthermore, the law allows for indefinite detention of
individuals because it does not set a maximum time limit for detention, which
is contracted with Article 114, “Code of Criminal Procedure” which sets maximum
time limits for detention based on the criminal acts committed.
Cybercrime Law lacks clarityMoreover, the paper stated that the arbitrary use of the
“Crime Prevention Law” gives administrative governors the broad authority to
detain whomever they want, in some cases, for as long as they want.
The law may even detain a person if they suspect that the
person is about to commit a crime, which violates the right to citizens’
freedom. In some cases, the paper found that administrative governors exercise
judicial powers that they do not have, because the arrest of a citizen must be
based on a judicial decision.
The law also violates the presumption of innocence, even
with the fundamental principle of innocent until prevent guilty and should not
be criminalized due to suspicion.
The policy paper highlighted the authorities’ restriction on
internet freedom of expression, as individuals face significant challenges when
sharing their opinions in cyberspace, particularly because the “Cybercrime Law”
lacks clarity and is arbitrarily used to suppress activities and journalists.
Under this law, authorities can prohibit certain social
networking services, such as live broadcasting during protests and other
important events.
Article 11Authorities use Article 11 of the “Cybercrime Law” to
unjustly prosecute journalists and activities, as it contains broadly worded
provisions that contradict constitutional guarantees of freedom of opinion.
Under the article, it states “Anyone who intentionally
sends, resends or publishes data or information via the Internet or a website
or any information system involving slander, defamation or libel against any
person shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of not less than three
months and a fine not less than JD100 and not more than JD2,000.”
The paper concluded by calling on the Jordanian authorities
to respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and
opinion. It also called on ending all procedures, policies, and laws that may
limit rights guaranteed by the local constitution, and the country’s relevant
international obligations.
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