Outcry as Jordan MPs move to criminalize some online speech

The lower house of Jordan's parliament has passed legislation to punish online speech deemed harmful to national unity, drawing accusations from human rights groups of a new crackdown on free expression in a country where censorship and repression are increasingly common.

The measure makes certain online posts punishable with months of prison time and fines. These include comments "promoting, instigating, aiding, or inciting immorality," demonstrating "contempt for religion" or "undermining national unity."

It also punishes those who publish names or pictures of police officers online and outlaws certain methods of maintaining online anonymity.

The legislation now heads to the Senate — where it is expected to pass — before going to King Abdullah II for final approval.

Lawmakers have argued that the measure, which amends a 2015 cybercrime law, is necessary to punish blackmailers and online attackers.

Prime Minister Bishr al-Khasawneh insisted during Thursday's deliberations that the bill did not run afoul of Jordan's "clear and balanced" constitution, Jordanian media reported.

But opposition lawmakers and human rights groups cautioned that the new law will expand state control over social media, hamper free access to information and penalize anti-government speech.

"This law is disastrous and will lead to turning Jordan into a large prison," opposition lawmaker Saleh Al-Armoiti said after Thursday's vote.

In a joint statement ahead of the vote, 14 human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, called the law "draconian." They said the law's "vague provisions open the door for Jordan's executive branch to punish individuals for exercising their right to freedom of expression, forcing the judges to convict citizens in most cases."

The president of Jordan's press association also warned the language could infringe upon press freedom and freedom of speech.

Jordan is a key U.S. ally, seen as an important source of stability in the volatile Middle East.

But ahead of the vote, the U.S. State Department criticized what it said were "vague definitions and concepts" in the law, warning it could "further shrink the civic space that journalists, bloggers, and other members of civil society operate in Jordan."

The house speaker in parliament said the law was approved by a majority, but a final vote tally was not immediately released.

The measure is the latest in a series of crackdowns on freedom of expression in Jordan. A report by Human Rights Watch in 2022 found that authorities increasingly target protesters and journalists in a "systematic campaign to quell peaceful opposition and silence critical voices."

All power in Jordan rests with Abdullah II, who appoints and dismisses governments. Parliament is compliant because of a single-vote electoral system that discourages the formation of strong political parties. Abdullah has repeatedly promised to open the political system, but then pulled back due to concerns of losing control to an Islamist surge.