Introduction
Cases of detention or the enforcement of sentences related to social media posts or opinions expressed online were recorded, alongside a case concerning press freedom and the prevention of a public march that had been scheduled to take place in central Amman. Notably, this update also reveals a systematic pattern by authorities of ignoring and neglecting the health considerations of those detained, compounding the authorities’ retaliatory tactics against dissenters.
Peaceful Assembly
Authorities cancel pro-Palestine march
On 19th June 2026, a planned march, scheduled to take place in downtown Amman after Friday prayers in solidarity with Palestine, was cancelled by authorities on security and public order considerations shortly before it was due to proceed, despite organisers stating they had complied with legal notification requirements. Organisers later attempted to postpone the march to 26th June 2026, but this was also cancelled by authorities a day before, on 25th June.
Expression
Former intelligence officer detained over social media posts
In July 2026, retired Jordanian intelligence officer Sahm Al-Hawamdeh was detained over social media posts and comments on public affairs, including appointments and alleged conflict of interest within public institutions. According to reports published in local media, Al-Hawamdeh remained in detention for several weeks pending investigation before being released during the first week of August 2026. It was also reported that he suffers from health problems, including high blood pressure, and that he stopped taking his medication in protest against his detention. Although his release constitutes a positive development, his detention for several weeks remains an important indication of the continued use of detention as a retaliatory tactic against online expression.
Journalist sentenced to more than two years in prison
In July 2026, sports journalist Aisha Salman al-Alaiwat was sentenced to two years and two months in prison under Jordan’s Cybercrime Law in connection with content published on digital platforms criticising the performance of the Jordan Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Youth and the role of Zeina, Prince Faisal's wife, in the sports scene. Al-Alaiwat was detained after returning to Jordan from Egypt, from where she was deported while travelling to Russia for cancer treatment.
Earlier in April 2026, the Jordan Press Association (JPA) also upheld a decision to expel her from the association and remove her from its register, without publicly disclosing the reason.
The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that it had been unable to review the material underlying the charges and that earlier reports concerning Al-Alaiwat’s detention had subsequently been deleted.
“When cases involving journalists are shrouded in secrecy, public confidence in judicial institutions and professional accountability mechanisms is weakened... The public has a legitimate interest in understanding the legal justification for proceedings against Al-Alaiwat and how they comply with Jordan’s obligations to protect press freedom and fundamental rights.”
- Joud Hasan, CPJ’s Levant Programme Coordinator
Activist arrested to serve one-year sentence
On 13th July 2026, Jordanian security forces arrested activist Firas Al-Tawahieh Al-Abadi to begin serving a one-year prison sentence in a case related to his peaceful expression and opposition to the Jordanian regime. Al-Abadi was being held despite concerns about his health, including reports that he had suffered several strokes.
Citizen detained over social commentary online
Authorities also expanded the use of detention for online expression beyond government critics, to include social commentators. On 19th June 2026, it was reported that authorities had arrested Laith Osama Al-Barizat, days after he posted online comments criticising a controversial party that was held in Petra, which had sparked debate for contravening the country’s social and cultural values.