Jordanian deputies condemn government for anti-journalist activities

A group of deputies from the Jordanian House of Representatives condemned interference from the government against journalists, writers and cultured Jordanians.

The group condemned arresting them late at night, inspecting their houses and confiscating their personal belongings. Ten journalists in the last three months have faced such measures.

13 deputies signed a statement which was handed over to House Speaker Saad Hayil Surour. They, in their statement, regarded the processing against the journalists as an attempt to limit freedom of expression and said, "they violated the constitution and the laws that guarantee the freedom of opinion and expression." The statement said the lawmakers consider the procedures as acts that defame Jordan worldwide.

The deputies asked the government to stop such "irresponsible" acts and to "stop the interference made by security apparatus to limit the freedom of expression and opinion."

Deputies who signed the statement included: Nashaat Hamarna, Khalil Atiya, Ayid Adhayla, Saleh Shaawata, Ahmed Annab, Muhammed Batayna,, Nazeeh Ammarin, Muhammed Oran, Khalil Haddadin, Ridha Haddad, Muhammed Azayda, Muhammed Bani Hani, and Mahmood Kharabsha.