Assessment calls on gov’t to boost media freedom

AMMAN — A book calling for boosting media freedom in the Kingdom was recently issued by the International Programme for the Development of Communication under the title, “Assessment of Media Development in Jordan”.

The book is based on UNESCO’s Media Development Indicators conducted as part of the Support to Media in Jordan Project, funded by the European Union.

The study urged a comprehensive review of laws that limit freedom of expression or freedom of the press, or encourage secrecy, including the Temporary Law of Protection of State Secrets and Documents. 

The assessment also urged the government to conduct a review of laws that are restrictive of media freedom, including the Press and Publications Law, the Audiovisual Media Law, the Jordan Press Association Law, the State Security Court Law, the Anti-Terrorism Law and the Contempt of Courts Law.

Limitations on who may practise journalism should also be removed, the assessment indicated, including laws that prohibit those who are not members of the press syndicate from working or presenting themselves as journalists.

To ensure more freedoms, military courts should not have the power to handle cases related to publication or expression involving media personnel or civilians, said the assessment.