Electronic Crimes Law and Press Freedom
The case of journalist Ziad Nseirat, who is facing a legal action over content related to "Iranian missiles," has sparked a debate in Jordan about the boundaries of the application of the Cybercrime Law of 2023. This discussion focuses particularly on addressing digital crimes and safeguarding freedom of expression. The law stipulates penalties including imprisonment of one to three years and fines ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 Jordanian dinars for content that incites discord, spreads hatred, or poses a threat to social peace. However, human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch and journalists criticize the difficulty in distinguishing between legitimate criticism and legal accountability, especially given that the law raises concerns about restricting press freedom and digital publishing. Data indicates a noticeable increase in electronic crime cases handled by the specialized unit in 2025, with an 18.8% rise compared to the previous year. Most of these cases involve blackmail, threats, and scams, with some related to hate speech and defamation. The ongoing debate remains centered on balancing the protection of individuals from digital crimes with the preservation of freedom of expression. The aim is to ensure that journalism and legitimate criticism are not restricted, emphasizing that the judiciary is responsible for determining the legal classification of each case.
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