Amnesty finds cybercrime laws used against pro-Palestine sentiment

The Jordanian government has been using a new cybercrimes law to suppress freedom of expression, especially when it comes to pro-Palestine sentiments, according to a recent report by Amnesty International. The law, enacted in August 2023, has led to the prosecution of at least 15 individuals who criticized authorities online.

The wide scope of crimes under the law includes spreading fake news, provoking strife, threatening societal peace, and showing contempt for religions. Amnesty International’s deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, Aya Majzoub, has condemned the government’s crackdown on freedom of expression, stating that it has created an environment of self-censorship in Jordan.

In response to recent attacks, authorities have intensified their crackdown on pro-Palestine protests and social media posts. Journalists and activists participating in demonstrations or criticizing the government’s actions have been targeted and sometimes arrested without warning.

Amnesty International is calling for the repeal or revision of the cybercrimes law to align with international human rights standards. Criticizing government policies should not be a criminal offense.

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