Jordan: Journalist Ahmad Hassan al-Zoubi must be released and cybercrime law repealed
One month in prison is already one month too many. Journalist Ahmad Hassan al-Zoubi, who was arrested on 2 July, is serving a one-year prison sentence for posting a message on social media criticising the government. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls for his immediate release and the repeal of the repressive cybercrime law that made this unjust conviction possible.
Ahmad Hassan al-Zoubi, a 49-year-old satirical commentator, founder of the news site Sawalif, and long-time columnist for the state daily Al Rai, has been incarcerated since 2 July in Marka Prison, in Amman, Jordan’s capital. Sentenced in August 2023, he initially spent nearly a year living in fear while awaiting the execution of his sentence — a one-year prison term imposed for a social media post criticising the Jordanian authorities' handling of a truck drivers' strike in the southern town of Maan.
According to the country’s judicial authorities, Ahmad Hassan al-Zoubi is guilty of "inciting discord among community members," a crime under Article 17 of the cybercrime law, punishable by one to three years in prison or a minimum fine of 5,000 dinars (approximately 6,500 euros). For now, Jordanian judges are determined to keep Ahmad Hassan al-Zoubi in detention. They have rejected the appeals filed by the journalist's lawyers three times to commute his sentence to community service.
"Every minute Ahmad Hassan al-Zoubi spends within the walls of Marka Prison is a minute too many! The incarceration of this renowned journalist based on a repressive law signals a very concerning direction for the country’s press freedom. RSF calls on the Jordanian authorities to rectify the situation by releasing Ahmad Hassan al-Zoubi immediately and repealing the cybercrime law that threatens press freedom.
Suffocating heat and overcrowded cell
For a month, the detention conditions of journalist Ahmad Hassan al-Zoubi have severely tested his health. In his cell at Marka Prison, Ahmad Hassan al-Zoubi shares the space with around thirty other inmates. According to lawyer Hala Ahed, a member of the journalist's legal team,"the overcrowding and high temperatures prevent him from sleeping and severely affect his psychological state." The conditions are especially difficult given that the journalist suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure, the lawyer notes.
Cybercrime Law targets second journalist
In addition to Article 17 used against Ahmad Hassan al-Zoubi, Article 15 — which targets "anyone who intentionally publishes information via a website or social media platforms that contains false news, slander, or defamation" — is also among the most threatening provisions of the cybercrime law adopted in 2023 and labelled "repressive" by RSF from its drafting in the Jordanian Parliament.
In May, investigative journalist Hiba Abu Taha was the first media professional targeted by this cybercrime law. She received a one-year prison sentence after publishing an opinion piece for the online media Annasher on alleged ties between Jordan and Israel.
Jordan ranks 132nd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2024 World Press Freedom Index.
