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August 14, 2023

Jordan Cracks Down on Online Speech with "Draconian" Cybercrime Law
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Jordan enacted what has been described by rights groups as a "draconian"
cybercrime law. The legislation, which will go into effect in a month,
includes fines and even prison for posting content deemed to be
"immoral," insulting religion or "undermining national unity." It also
punishes people who publish names or pictures of police officers and
bans certain measures that protect a user's identity. A statement issued
by over a dozen rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, said,
"Vague provisions open the door for Jordan's executive branch to punish
individuals for exercising their right to freedom of expression, forcing
the judges to convict citizens in most cases."


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