Jordan Daily – The Jordan Press Association issued a statement on Thursday expressing deep astonishment and disapproval at the speedy approval of the draft cybercrime law for the year 2023 by the House of Representatives.
The association criticized the parliament for disregarding its recommendations aimed at safeguarding fundamental freedoms, especially press freedoms.
In its statement, the Association appreciated the parliament’s response to its request to delete paragraph (c) of Article (19) from the draft law. However, it expressed dissatisfaction with the partial reduction of fines in certain articles, stating that the fines remained disproportionately high.
The association highlighted that the House of Representatives, as a custodian of public liberties, should have thoroughly assessed the potential adverse effects of the law’s provisions on society. It urged the parliament to allocate more time for comprehensive discussions and carefully consider all perspectives, given the law’s significant national impact and its implications for the general public.
Of particular concern to the Association was the retention of vague language referring to “false news,” “character assassination,” and “incitement to hatred” without precise and clear definitions. The association warned that the ambiguous phrasing could lead to misinterpretation and potential misuse.
The statement further asserted that the Jordan Press Association would continue to vehemently oppose the enactment of the law in its current form during its consideration in the Senate , expressing hope that the Senate would prioritize wisdom and reason in formulating a revised law that upholds the right to criticism and responsible expression while addressing the concerns overlooked by the House of Representatives’ decision.
