Jordan: National Assembly adopts first anti-terrorism law after Amman bombings

The National Assembly approved in August a new anti-terrorism law as a response to the Amman bombings last year. Concerns have been expressed about the law’s broad definition of terrorism, provisions allowing detention without access to a lawyer and without judicial review for up to 30 days, increased powers of law enforcement officials to detain, search and arrest, and exclusive jurisdiction of military courts over terrorism cases. The Assembly also adopted legislation that would require Muslim preachers to obtain written permission from the government to lead services or teach the Koran, despite concerns about its impact on religious freedom.

SR Statement Press Article