Jordan: Women Press Freedom Denounces Heba Abu Taha's Sentencing Under Draconian Cybercrime Law
October 14, 2024 - Jordan, Amman
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the sentencing of investigative journalist Heba Abu Taha to one year in prison and a fine exceeding $7,000 by a Jordanian court. This marks the fourth instance of legal harassment she has faced since 2020. This recent ruling, deemed a violation of Jordan's Cybercrime Law and stemming from her reporting on the connections between Jordanian companies and Israel, is a serious infringement on press freedom and an alarming escalation of state repression against journalists in Jordan.
Abu Taha's conviction for allegedly “inciting public discord and spreading false information” is a clear attempt to silence critical voices and stifle independent journalism. Such actions not only undermine the fundamental principles of free expression but also threaten the safety and security of journalists, particularly women journalists, who often face disproportionate risks in their pursuit of truth.
We stand in solidarity with Heba Abu Taha and call for her unconditional acquittal. The use of vague and punitive laws to target journalists sets a dangerous precedent that endangers the media landscape in Jordan and beyond. We urge the Jordanian government to uphold its commitments to international human rights standards by abolishing prison sentences for freedom of expression cases and revising the restrictive provisions of the Cybercrime Law.
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WPF denounces police officers for unjust detentions of journalists and excessive use of force. We demand accountability from authorities.
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