Jordanian authorities have been accused of weaponizing the new Cybercrimes Law to target and harass journalists, activists, and others who express opinions online that are critical of government policies and practices. Amnesty International has raised concerns about the misuse of this law, which was adopted one year ago, to stifle dissent and silence critics in the country.
The new Cybercrimes Law, enacted on 13 August 2023, introduced significant amendments to the existing 2015 Cybercrimes Law in Jordan. These changes expanded the scope of offenses and granted authorities extended powers to prosecute individuals without a personal complaint, particularly when the offense is related to governmental figures or entities. The law includes harsh penalties for vaguely defined offenses such as „spreading fake news,“ „provoking strife,“ „threatening societal peace,“ and „contempt for religions,“ which have been used to criminalize protected forms of expression.
Amnesty International has documented cases of 15 individuals who were prosecuted under the new law for criticizing the authorities online. These cases have highlighted violations of defendants‘ rights, including arrests without warrants, lack of information about charges, interrogation without legal representation, and the use of coercive tactics during questioning or trial.
Aya Majzoub, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, has condemned the Jordanian authorities for their assault on freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The crackdown has targeted pro-Palestine activism and criticism of government policies towards Israel, leading to self-censorship and a shrinking space for dissent in Jordan.
The Cybercrimes Law has been instrumentalized to silence critics, with hundreds of individuals charged for social media posts critical of the authorities, expressing pro-Palestinian sentiment, or calling for peaceful protests. Prominent figures like lawyer and activist Moutaz Awwad and journalist Hiba Abu Taha have faced convictions and sentences for their online activities, further restricting freedom of expression in the country.
The crackdown on pro-Palestine protests has also intensified, with activists and journalists facing prosecution for their coverage of solidarity events. Security forces have arrested individuals like Fatima Shubeilat for participating in peaceful demonstrations, using charges under the Cybercrimes Law to suppress dissent and intimidate activists.
In a punitive measure, governors have utilized the Crime Prevention Law to detain critics and activists without charge or trial, circumventing fair trial safeguards. Activists like Majd al-Farraj and Samer al-Qassem have been subjected to administrative detention as a means of punishment and intimidation for their online activities related to Palestine.
Amnesty International has called for the repeal or substantial amendment of the Cybercrimes Law in Jordan to align with international human rights standards. Criticism of government policies and actions should not be criminalized, and individuals prosecuted solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression should have all charges dropped immediately. The ongoing crackdown on dissent in Jordan must be addressed to safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms in the country.