Human Rights Watch has reported that Jordanian authorities have arrested and harassed dozens of Jordanians who participated in pro-Palestine protests across the country or engaged in advocacy online since October 2023.
According to the organization, some individuals have been charged under the new Cybercrime Law, which has faced widespread criticism. Jordanian lawyers representing the detainees have stated that hundreds have likely been arrested for their involvement in the protests or online advocacy.
The organization noted cases where authorities charged four activists, including prominent activist Anas al-Jamal and Ayman Sandouqa, the general secretary of a political party, under the new Cybercrime Law.
Lama Fakih, the Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, stated, “Jordanian authorities trample on the right to freedom of expression and assembly in an attempt to quash activity related to Gaza. In less than two months, recent government assurances that the new Cybercrime Law would not be used to violate rights have crumbled, as authorities used it against Jordanians to suppress their activity.”
The organization reminded that the Jordanian Parliament hastily passed the “repressive” Cybercrime Law in August, ignoring criticisms and bypassing consultations with experts or civil society.
According to the organization, “The law aggressively undermines freedom of expression, poses a threat to internet users’ right to remain anonymous, and creates new powers to control social media, potentially leading to increased surveillance.”
In recent years, Jordan has witnessed a prolonged contraction of civic space, with authorities increasingly persecuting citizens participating in peaceful assembly and political opposition, using vague and repressive laws criminalizing expression, association, and assembly.
Fakih added, “Jordanian authorities should not use a regional crisis as an excuse to restrict the rights of Jordanians to peacefully express themselves. Recent cases have shown that the authorities have misused vague provisions in the Cybercrime Law and are likely to continue to do so.”
