This is the third conviction Women Press Freedom has documented of Abu Taha for simply doing her job

Location: Jordan, Amman
Date: June 13, 2024

Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the sentencing of journalist Hiba Abu Taha to one year in prison for her investigative report on the alleged land corridor between Jordan and Israel. This ruling, under the controversial cybercrime law, is a direct attack on press freedom and the right to free speech. It is deeply concerning that journalists in Jordan face such severe repercussions for their work, which is essential for transparency and accountability. We stand in solidarity with Hiba Abu Taha and all journalists who face threats and persecution for exposing the truth. The use of vague and broad legal terms to suppress critical reporting is unacceptable and must be challenged. We call on the Jordanian authorities to reverse this unjust sentence, repeal draconian laws that stifle free expression, and ensure a safe environment for journalists to carry out their vital work without fear of retribution.

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In a significant blow to press freedom, Hiba Abu Taha, a prominent Jordanian journalist, has been sentenced to one year under Jordan's contentious cybercrime law. The ruling came in response to her investigative report that alleged Jordan's involvement in exporting goods to Israel via a land corridor, a claim fervently denied by Jordanian authorities.

Abu Taha's report, titled "Partners in Genocide... Jordanian Capital Involved in Genocide in the Gaza Strip," was published by Annasher, a Lebanese media outlet. The article detailed how certain Jordanian companies were allegedly facilitating shipments to Israel, implicating them in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The revelations sparked outrage and prompted swift action from Jordanian authorities.

In February, Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh refuted the existence of such a land route, labeling the reports as "fabrications." He asserted that transport routes in and out of Jordan had remained unchanged for the past 25 years.

Following her arrest in May, triggered by a complaint from the Jordanian Media Commission, Abu Taha faced charges of "inciting strife and spreading false news." Despite her lawyer's plans to appeal, the court's decision underscores the increasingly hostile environment for journalists in Jordan.

This case is not Abu Taha's first encounter with Jordan's legal system. Women Press Freedom documented how last year, she was detained over a Facebook post critical of King Abdullah II, leading to charges of "defaming an official institution," and sentenced to three months' imprisonment. Abu Taha was also arrested in 2020, facing charges of slander and undermining the government. 

Jordan's cybercrime law, approved by King Abdullah II, has faced severe criticism from rights groups and journalists. Critics argue that the law's vague and broad terms, such as "fake news" and "provoking strife," serve as tools for the government to suppress dissent and limit free speech.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the law as "draconian." They argue that it stifles freedom of expression and targets journalists and activists, particularly those critical of Jordan's stance on the Gaza conflict.

Since the outbreak of war in Gaza, Jordan has intensified its crackdown on journalism and activism. This latest verdict is part of a broader campaign to silence dissenting voices and control the narrative surrounding Jordan's regional policies. This verdict, under Jordan's oppressive cybercrime law, represents a severe violation of press freedom and an attempt to silence critical journalism. Abu Taha's work, which exposed potential complicity in the Gaza conflict, underscores the essential role of journalists in holding power to account. Her sentencing sends a chilling message to journalists in Jordan and beyond, threatening the core principles of free speech and democratic accountability. Women Press Freedom will closely monitor her case as her legal team prepares to appeal the decision. We stand in solidarity with Hiba Abu Taha and call for her immediate release. 

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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