Journalists doubt government sincerity on press law

Local media figures express scepticism over government assurances that a clause in a new Press Law, which allows the imprisonment of journalists for publications offences, will be removed. “This sounds like propaganda by the regime,” said Nidal Mansour, head of the Amman-based Centre for Defending the Freedom of Journalists and publisher of independent weekly Al-Hadath. “The government usually makes promises about new laws, but then – at the very last moment – comes up with unpleasant surprises.” Last week, Jordan Press Association President Tareq Momani received assurances from Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit that a clear-cut provision prohibiting jail-time for press offences would be included in the new Press and Publications law. The new legislation is part of the so-called “National Agenda”, a wide-ranging blueprint for economic and political reform, the implementation of which has become a government priority. The official promise was made after the press syndicate announced its intention to protest planned amendments to the legislation based on recommendations made by the Lower House National Guidance Committee on the new law. The committee’s recommendations included the removal of the clause prohibiting imprisonment of journalists and the establishment of heavy fines as an alternative to prison. As a result of these amendments, the law now retains clauses stipulating imprisonment for press offences and “exaggerated fines”. “If you can’t afford to pay them, you’ll go to jail,” complained Mansour. Current legislation allows journalists to be imprisoned for up to three months for a number of loosely-defined violations, which include “offending the king and royal family”, “showing contempt for religion” or “damaging national unity”. Opposition MPs, media figures and activists have also called for a more accurate definition of what constitute “press crimes”. Over the years, the government has made four amendments to a tough 1993 press law that currently governs press and broadcast media. The law, say critics, has served to tighten restrictions on journalism and placed crippling fines on perceived offenders. Critics also point out that the fear of heavy fines, along with the alleged intimidation of journalists, has contributed to the reigning atmosphere of self-censorship.