Press Freedom in Jordan: Between Restrictive Legislation and Reform Prospects

الرابط المختصر

Jordan continues to face ongoing challenges regarding press freedom, with multiple international reports classifying the country as "not free," most notably those issued by Freedom House. This classification reflects several factors, including a restrictive legal framework, security pressures on journalists, and media censorship.

Historically, Jordan has not recorded cases of journalists being killed or tortured, unlike some Arab countries that witness severe violations of press freedom. In contrast, the Israeli occupation has killed 192 journalists in its latest war on Gaza alone, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

This fact presents Jordan with a real opportunity to improve its ranking on press freedom indices, including Freedom House’s, if efforts are made to address the legal and administrative restrictions that hinder press freedom.

The Jordanian government has repeatedly announced its commitment to improving these indicators. However, good intentions alone are not enough—concrete and serious measures must be taken to enhance Jordan’s ranking in press freedom indices. Otherwise, the country's standing will continue to decline, negatively affecting its international image.

Key Reform Steps

Among the most critical "practical steps that reflect good intentions" is reforming the legal and legislative framework by amending or repealing restrictive laws. This includes revising laws such as the Cybercrime Law, the Penal Code, and the Press and Publications Law, particularly provisions that criminalize broad and vague forms of publication or impose prison sentences on journalists.

Additionally, abolishing pretrial detention for publication-related cases is crucial to ensuring that journalists are not arrested or prosecuted for their opinions or reports. Recent cases, such as those involving satirical writer Ahmad Hassan Al-Zoubi and journalist Heba Abu Taha, highlight the pressing need for such reforms.

Guaranteeing the right to access information is another vital step. This includes amending and enforcing the Right to Information Law to make it more transparent and responsive to journalists' requests.

Furthermore, reducing security and administrative restrictions on the press is necessary by limiting security agencies’ interference, preventing journalists from being summoned due to their reports, and easing media registration processes. The government should also stop arbitrarily withholding licenses from media outlets and ensure genuine media pluralism by lifting bans on news websites and ending the practice of blocking sites without clear and specific judicial orders.

Strengthening Media Independence

Another crucial step is enhancing the independence of both public and private media. This could involve transforming state-owned media, such as Jordan TV and the Petra News Agency, into public service institutions operating under professional standards rather than serving as government mouthpieces. Simultaneously, independent media should receive greater support and broader facilities, including ensuring that government advertising is not used as a tool to reward or punish media outlets based on their proximity to the state.

Press freedom also necessitates abolishing mandatory membership in the Journalists’ Syndicate and allowing for union pluralism. The Media Commission Law should be amended so that its administration is represented by an independent council rather than being government-appointed. Additionally, media ownership regulations should be eased to reduce bureaucracy and restrictions on running media outlets, while also establishing a fund to support independent journalism. This fund could be financed through the state budget and international or regional grants.

Moreover, ensuring journalist protection is essential. This includes preventing attacks on journalists, conducting serious investigations into any assaults or threats they face, holding perpetrators accountable, and creating a safe working environment. Media institutions should also be encouraged to provide legal and security support for their journalists when facing harassment or threats.

Ensuring Real Change

Genuine and direct improvements in press freedom can only be achieved through media pluralism and increased investment in the sector. Encouraging private and international investment in media will boost competitiveness, end information monopolies, and facilitate journalists’ access to official information without restrictions on covering sensitive issues.

Implementing these reforms would also enhance Jordan’s relations with international organizations and increase responsiveness to their recommendations in a transparent manner. This includes publishing regular government reports on media freedom and allowing international organizations to assess the situation without restrictions. Collaboration with bodies such as Freedom House, Reporters Without Borders, and human rights organizations should be encouraged.

If the Jordanian government truly seeks to improve its ranking in global press freedom reports, the solution does not lie in public relations campaigns but rather in fundamental reforms that guarantee freedom of expression as an inherent right, not a conditional privilege.