News from Civsy, based on generative AI tools and retrieval-augumented real time data searchThe most high-profile case of censorship and harassment in Jordan over the past two years is the imprisonment of investigative journalist Heba Abu Taha under the 2023 Cybercrimes Law. Abu Taha’s conviction has drawn widespread condemnation from international human rights organizations, press freedom advocates, and legal experts, making it a focal point in debates over freedom of expression in Jordan.
However, artistic freedom in Jordan also faces significant challenges, with artists across various fields—spanning street art, music, and filmmaking—grappling with censorship, harassment, and legal action. The government’s enforcement of restrictive laws, particularly the amended Cybercrimes Law, coupled with societal pressures from conservative groups, has created an environment where creative expression is increasingly constrained. These measures not only stifle artistic innovation but also curtail critical dialogue essential for cultural and societal progress.
Prosecution of Artists and Creatives
Jordanian authorities have escalated their use of legal tools to silence dissenting voices, targeting artists whose work challenges political or societal norms. One prominent example is the case of satirist and journalist Ahmad Hassan al-Zoubi. On July 2, 2024, al-Zoubi was arrested following a conviction under the Cybercrimes Law for “inciting strife” through a Facebook post critical of the government’s handling of a transportation workers' strike in December 2022. Initially sentenced to two months in prison in June 2023, his sentence was later increased to one year by the Criminal Court of Appeal on August 10, 202318. Al-Zoubi’s imprisonment highlights the risks faced by creatives who use satire to critique governance.
Back to journalist Hiba Abu Taha who was sentenced to one year in prison in June 2024 for violating the Cybercrimes Law. Abu Taha faced charges for her investigative reporting on Jordanian companies transporting goods to Israel during its military aggression on Gaza and for an article criticizing Jordan’s interception of Iranian drones2. Her imprisonment drew widespread criticism from international human rights organizations, which labeled the Cybercrimes Law “draconian” and described her case as a major setback for press freedom2.
Artists expressing solidarity with Palestine have also been targeted. In March 2024, activist and performance artist Fatima Shubeilat was arrested after participating in a pro-Palestine sit-in near the Israeli embassy. Charged under the Cybercrimes Law for her social media posts about the event, Shubeilat’s case underscores how digital platforms have become battlegrounds for artistic and political expression89.
Censorship of Public Art
Public art in Jordan has become both a medium of resistance and a target for censorship. Street art addressing politically sensitive themes—such as Palestinian solidarity or LGBTQ+ rights—is often erased or suppressed by authorities. During protests against Israeli actions in Gaza in 2021, street artists created murals supporting Palestine. One mural depicted a toddler being photographed for a mugshot—a critique of Israel’s detention practices—but it was swiftly erased by authorities39. In contrast, another mural in Jabal al-Weibdeh featuring a masked figure holding a Palestinian flag remains untouched, illustrating inconsistent enforcement of censorship laws3.
The Baladk Street Art Festival has played a pivotal role in popularizing street art across Amman since its inception in 2013. While the festival provides opportunities for local and international artists to collaborate on public murals, it has faced criticism from local creatives who feel overshadowed by foreign participants. Palestinian-Jordanian artist Laila Ajjawi expressed concerns about this imbalance in 2023, emphasizing that local voices deserve greater visibility4. Similarly, graffiti artist Alaeddin Rahmeh highlighted how institutional priorities often marginalize homegrown talent despite their significant contributions to Jordan’s street art scene4.
Grassroots initiatives have also driven the street art movement forward. In Hashmi Al-Shamali—a working-class neighborhood in East Amman—over 27 murals now adorn former military housing blocks as part of an open-air museum project launched in 20174. These works address themes ranging from women’s rights to Palestinian solidarity but often face scrutiny from municipal authorities requiring permits for public artworks deemed controversial or political39.
Targeting Other Forms of Artistic Expression
The government’s control over artistic narratives extends beyond street art to other fields such as music and filmmaking. In June 2023, Amman’s governor shut down a private screening of a queer-themed film following online backlash from conservative groups. The decision was praised by politicians like Dima Tahboub—a former parliamentarian affiliated with the Islamic Action Front—as necessary to uphold public morality6. This incident reflects broader efforts to suppress LGBTQ+ representation in Jordanian art.
Musicians have also been targeted under similar pressures. The Lebanese indie band Mashrou’ Leila faced repeated bans from performing in Jordan due to its openly gay lead singer and its advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. The band’s concerts were canceled twice—in August 2016 and June 2019—despite having obtained all necessary permits. Interior Minister Ghaleb Al-Zu’bi justified these cancellations by citing public anger over Mashrou’ Leila’s values as contrary to Jordanian traditions10. Critics argued that such bans harm freedom of expression while undermining tourism and cultural diversity.
Nada al-Qarra, a street artist from Madaba, has used her work to challenge gender norms despite facing societal resistance. In 2023, she created a series of murals addressing themes such as domestic violence and female empowerment. While her work initially met skepticism from her conservative community, al-Qarra persisted and expanded her impact through youth workshops aimed at engaging young women in challenging traditional roles34.
The Role of Conservative Groups
Conservative groups play an influential role in shaping the environment for artistic expression in Jordan. The Islamic Action Front (IAF), Jordan’s largest Islamist party, has actively campaigned against LGBTQ+ initiatives and feminist movements. For example, Dima Tahboub reignited efforts to criminalize homosexuality under the pretext of protecting societal values56. Such campaigns amplify pressures on artists addressing progressive themes.
Continue to push boundaries
Artistic freedom in Jordan faces mounting challenges from both state authorities and conservative societal forces. The government’s use of laws like the Cybercrimes Law has created an environment where artists must navigate legal risks simply to express themselves freely. Meanwhile, public art initiatives like Baladk Street Art Festival highlight tensions between institutional priorities and grassroots creativity.
Despite these obstacles, Jordanian artists continue to push boundaries through satire, street art, music, theater, and underground cultural movements. Figures like Ahmad Hassan al-Zoubi and Nada al-Qarra exemplify resilience amidst repression—using their work to spark dialogue on issues ranging from gender equality to political accountability.
As Jordan grapples with its complex sociopolitical landscape, safeguarding artistic freedom will require not only reforming restrictive laws but also fostering an inclusive cultural space where creativity can thrive without fear of reprisal or censorship.
SourcesAmnesty International report on Ahmad Hassan al-Zoubi's arrest (July 2024).Peoples Dispatch coverage on Hiba Abu Taha's imprisonment (June 2024).MyKali Magazine analysis on Amman's street art politics (January 2025).Artmejo feature on Baladk Street Art Festival (2020).Global Voices report on online censorship decisions (February 2020).MEMRI report on Mashrou’ Leila concert bans (June 2019).Human Rights Foundation analysis on dissident artists (November 2024).Committee to Protect Journalists statement on cybercrime prosecutions (July 2024).MERIP article on Palestinian solidarity murals (March 2022).
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