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Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) has expressed its support for the release of Jordanian journalist Hiba Abu Taha, who was freed by Jordanian security services on Thursday after serving a one-year prison sentence and paying a substantial fine exceeding $7,000.
WJWC highlighted that Abu Taha’s imprisonment underscores the urgent need for Jordanian authorities to reevaluate the 2023 Cybercrime Law, which imposes restrictions on press freedom. The organization reiterated its call for amendments to the law or its replacement with legislation that upholds Jordan’s commitment to press freedom and protects citizens' right to access information.
Abu Taha, an investigative journalist, was arrested last year on charges of "inciting strife and discord" after publishing a report that revealed a land bridge facilitating the transport of goods from the Jordanian border to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In June 2024, the Amman Magistrate Court sentenced her to one year in prison under Articles 15 and 17 of the Cybercrime Law, citing charges of spreading false news related to an article discussing Jordan's foreign relations. WJWC and other press freedom advocates had called for the charges to be dismissed and condemned the ongoing targeting of journalists under this law.
Since its enactment in August 2023, Jordan’s Cybercrime Law has faced widespread criticism for criminalizing free speech, imposing penalties of up to three years in prison and fines reaching $45,000 for offenses such as "inciting strife." This vague charge has been used against journalists, activists, and demonstrators, leading to numerous prosecutions of Jordanians for criticizing the government or expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
Hiba Abu Taha is among several journalists affected by this law, including writer Ahmed Al-Zoubi, who was released last month after authorities declined to substitute his prison sentence with community service.
On February 10, 2025, Abu Taha’s defense attorney, Rami Odeh Allah, cautioned that her release could be postponed due to her inability to pay the court-imposed fine of 5,000 Jordanian dinars ($7,500). Under Jordanian law, failure to pay fines can lead to extended imprisonment, calculated at one day for every ten dinars owed, up to a maximum of one year. A fundraising campaign initiated by journalists and activists successfully secured the necessary funds, facilitating Abu Taha’s release on Thursday.
WJWC has voiced serious concerns regarding the Jordanian government’s utilization of the Cybercrime Law to silence journalists, activists, and human rights defenders. The law has been weaponized to prosecute individuals for social media posts and media reports critical of government actions or opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The law stipulates that anyone who intentionally publishes false news, defamation, or content that incites sedition or strife faces imprisonment of at least three months or a fine of no less than 5,000 dinars. WJWC urges Jordanian authorities to reform or repeal the Cybercrime Law to ensure compliance with international standards on press freedom and human rights, thereby safeguarding journalists from unjust prosecution and imprisonment.
The release of Hiba Abu Taha is a significant victory for press freedom advocates, yet concerns persist regarding Jordan’s restrictive media laws. WJWC continues to advocate for the protection of journalists and the promotion of free speech, urging authorities to establish a legal framework that upholds democratic values and human rights.
