Jordan using cybercrime laws 'against pro-Palestine' sentiment, Amnesty says
Jordanian authorities are using the country’s new cybercrimes law to stifle expression, particularly pro-Palestine sentiment, leading human rights organisation Amnesty International has found.
At least 15 individuals have been prosecuted under the law after criticising authorities online, Amnesty’s report says.
The cybercrimes law, enacted on 13 August 2023, introduced several amendments to the existing 2015 law including “allowing the prosecution of individuals without a personal complaint when the offence is related to governmental figures or entities”.
The scope of crimes is also deemed broad, as people can be prosecuted for accusations such as “spreading fake news”, “provoking strife”, “threatening societal peace” and “contempt for religions”.
“Under the pretext of protecting the digital space, Jordanian authorities have escalated their blatant assault on the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly in the country, using overly broad provisions,” said Aya Majzoub, Amnesty International’s deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa.
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“They have particularly targeted recent pro-Palestine activism and criticism of government policies towards Israel.
"This sweeping crackdown has stifled the already small space for dissent in Jordan and created an environment of self-censorship.”
Hundreds of people in Jordan have been charged under the cybercrimes law between August 2023 and August 2024, including lawyer and activist Moutaz Awwad, who was convicted for “provoking sedition or strife” under article 17 of the law.
A criminal court fined Awwad 5,000 Jordanian Dinars (around $7,000) for posts on X in which he criticised Arab governments’ policies towards Israel and expressed pro-Palestine sentiments.
Jordanian authorities have increased their crackdown on pro-Palestine protests and social media posts in the aftermath of the 7 October attacks.
Journalists and activists who have taken part in several protests in front of the Israeli embassy during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan or accused their government of helping to intercept Iranian missiles headed for Israel in April have been convicted and sometimes arrested without notice.
“The Jordanian authorities must repeal or substantially amend the cybercrimes law to bring it in line with international human rights law and standards,” said Majzoub.
“Criticism of the government’s policies and actions are legitimate forms of expression that should not be criminalized.”
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