Jordanian journalist sentenced to prison under cybercrime law

Jordan has sentenced journalist Hiba Abu Taha to a year in prison for violating the country's cybercrime laws, the Center for the Protection and Freedom of Journalists (CPFJ) announced on Tuesday.

According to The new Arabs Sister publication in Arabic, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, The center expressed deep concerns over the decision to imprison her and called for the charges against her to be dropped and for freedom of expression to be respected.

Abu Taha was sentenced to prison for an article she wrote about the kingdom's apparent role in protecting Israel, in which she focused on Jordanian forces shooting down Iranian missiles heading toward Israel in April, suggest several reports.

Another article she reportedly wrote discussed how Amman is embroiled in the war on Gaza due to its actions at land crossings, following unconfirmed reports that Jordan was allowing trucks from the Gulf to transit through its territory to Israel.

The journalist was accused of violating Article 15 of the Cybercrime Law, which states that anyone “intentionally sends, transmits or publishes, through information networks, data or information containing false news, defamatory or offensive will be punishable by imprisonment of at least three months or a fine of at least five thousand dinars ($7,000).”

Article 17 also states that any person can be imprisoned for one year, fined or both, if he or she intentionally posts anything that could incite discord, conflict or target societal peace, incite hatred, justifying or calling for violence or contempt for religions.

The CPFJ confirmed on Tuesday that it would appeal the case and provide legal assistance to Abu Taha.

Earlier this year, the Amman public prosecutor detained Abu Taha for a week based on a complaint filed against her by the Jordan Media Commission regarding an article she had written.

Jordan has reportedly waged a crackdown on activists and journalists since October 7, mainly after protests broke out outside the Israeli embassy in Amman in March, with authorities using cybercrime laws to arrest professionals media and activists involved in pro-Palestinian activities or covering Jordanian news. role in Israel's war against Gaza.

In August, a coalition of 14 digital rights organizations sent a letter to King Abullah II of Jordan asking him to repeal the cybercrime law, arguing that it infringes on citizens' freedoms.