Human Rights Watch accused Jordanian authorities of using a "sweeping order" to prevent publication, as well as harassment and arrests to restrict media coverage of the ongoing protests resulting from the arbitrary closure of the Jordanian Teachers Syndicate on July 25, 2020.
"The shrinking space for journalists to work in Jordan reflects the country's slide towards repression. The government must act decisively to hold accountable those responsible for harassing and intimidating journalists," she said.
According to the organization, the restrictions imposed on media coverage of teachers' protests reflect a wider deterioration in press freedom in recent years. She indicated that the police beat two journalists who were covering the protests.
"Jordan's malicious exploitation of arbitrary measures such as gag orders and arrests to silence journalists is just the latest in a series of restrictions on freedom of the press in the country," said Michael Page, deputy director of the Middle East division at Human Rights Watch, noting that Jordan "will not solve it." His many economic and political problems through the suppression of journalists and the curtailment of freedom of expression. "
In its statement, the human rights organization said that in August it had interviewed 8 Jordanian and foreign journalists working in Jordan, and all said that during the past few years they have been subjected to increasing restrictions on their coverage in the form of publication bans, harassment by security forces, and the suspension of media permits.
The organization stated that after the Jordanian Teachers Syndicate was closed on July 25, the Public Prosecutor immediately issued a gag order, prohibiting publication or discussion of details related to the case.