News from Civsy, based on generative AI tools and retrieval-augumented real time data searchThe arrest of Jordanian publisher Omar Al Zayood on March 17, 2025, under the country's Cybercrime Law, has sparked significant concerns regarding press freedom and the misuse of legal frameworks to suppress dissent. Al Zayood, the publisher of Al Hashmiyah News, was detained following a complaint by former Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh, who alleged that the outlet published an inaccurate report about him. The charges against Al Zayood included "inaccuracy and insulting the dignity of individuals," offenses punishable under the Cybercrime Law with prison terms of three months to three years and fines ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 Jordanian dinars (approximately $7,000 to $28,000).
Background on Jordan's Cybercrime Law
Jordan's Cybercrime Law No. 17 of 2023, enacted in September 2023, has been widely criticized for its vague and overly broad provisions. The law criminalizes activities such as publishing "false news," undermining national unity, or promoting immorality online. It also imposes harsh penalties, including imprisonment and significant fines. Critics argue that the law's ambiguous language enables authorities to target journalists and activists arbitrarily, stifling freedom of expression and fostering self-censorship[2][6].
The law has been used extensively to prosecute journalists and activists for online content critical of government policies. For example, it prohibits the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass censorship and holds platform administrators accountable for content posted on their sites. These measures have increased government control over online speech while limiting avenues for dissent.
Broader Implications
The arrest of Al Zayood is part of a broader trend in Jordan where cybercrime laws are employed to suppress press freedom and silence critics. Human rights organizations have condemned these actions as a form of "lawfare"—using legal tools to target journalists under the guise of combating disinformation or protecting societal interests. This trend reflects a shrinking space for free expression in Jordan, with authorities increasingly resorting to arrests, censorship, and intimidation against journalists and activists.
The international community and press freedom advocates have called for the repeal or amendment of Jordan's Cybercrime Law to align it with international human rights standards. They emphasize the need for transparent legal frameworks that protect—not undermine—freedom of expression.
About Sources:
The references provided are credible for analyzing the arrest of Omar Al Zayood under Jordan's Cybercrime Law:
1. Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)** ([1],[7]): CPJ is a globally recognized organization dedicated to defending press freedom and protecting journalists. Their reports are well-researched and widely cited in discussions about media freedom and journalist safety. The detailed information on Al Zayood's arrest, along with their advocacy for his release, adds credibility to their account.
2. Al Jazeera Media Institute ([2]): Al Jazeera is an established and reputable news outlet with a strong focus on Middle Eastern affairs. Their analysis of the Cybercrime Law's impact on press freedom in Jordan provides valuable context, particularly regarding similar cases and broader trends in media suppression.
3. Amnesty International ([3]): Amnesty International is a leading human rights organization known for its rigorous documentation of violations worldwide. Their critique of Jordan's Cybercrime Law and its use to suppress dissent aligns with international human rights standards, lending credibility to their findings.
4. International Journal of Cyber Criminology ([4]): This peer-reviewed academic journal provides a critical examination of Jordan's Electronic Crimes Act 2023, offering an analytical perspective on its implications for freedom of expression. Academic sources like this are highly credible due to their methodological rigor.
5. IFEX ([5]): IFEX is a global network advocating for freedom of expression, frequently cited by human rights organizations and media outlets. Their reporting on Al Zayood's case and broader trends in Jordan adds depth and reliability.
6. AIJR Journal ([6]): This academic journal provides insights into journalistic self-censorship in Jordan, analyzing factors such as strategic lawsuits and legal restrictions under the Cybercrime Law. Peer-reviewed research enhances its credibility.
Overall, these sources represent a mix of advocacy organizations, academic research, and reputable media outlets, collectively providing reliable information on the issue, while rest provide backdrop for the text.
Citations:
[1] https://cpj.org/2025/03/jordanian-publisher-arrested-under-cybercrime-law-after-ex-pm-complains/
[2] http://institute.aljazeera.net/en/ajr/article/2836
[3] https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/08/jordan-new-cybercrimes-law-stifling-freedom-of-expression-one-year-on/
[4] https://cybercrimejournal.com/menuscript/index.php/cybercrimejournal/article/download/268/96/601
[5] https://ifex.org/location/jordan/
[6] https://journals.aijr.org/index.php/ajss/article/download/9636/596/16309
[7] https://cpj.org/tags/omar-al-zayood/
[8] https://ifex.org/jordanian-journalists-jailed-for-website-posting/
[9] https://www.icnl.org/wp-content/uploads/Guide-to-Internet-freedoms-in-Jordan-English.pdf
[10] https://smex.org/jordans-cybercrime-law-to-limit-investments-and-e-commerce/
[11] https://freedomhouse.org/country/jordan/freedom-net/2024
[12] https://rsf.org/en/jordanian-reporter-gets-one-year-prison-under-draconian-new-cybercrime-law-0
[13] https://digikogu.taltech.ee/en/Download/4dbd3037-8318-46a9-bd57-3da067f86952
[14] https://skylineforhuman.org/en/news/details/814/jordan-drop-all-cybercrime-charges-against-journalist-omar-al-zayoud-immediately
[15] https://rsf.org/en/proposed-cybercrime-law-would-deal-new-blow-press-freedom-jordan
[16] https://x.com/CPJMENA/status/1902758668254281785
[17] https://freedomhouse.org/country/jordan/freedom-net/2023
[18] https://www.refworld.org/reference/annualreport/freehou/2018/en/122291
