Jordan continues to arbitrarily detain activists Maisara Malas and Ziad Abuhais, now for the 42nd consecutive day, due to their activities expressing solidarity with the Gaza Strip, currently under an ongoing Israeli offensive since October 7, 2023.
Both activists are held in the cells of the General Intelligence Directorate under strict conditions, with all visitation rights, including access by their legal counsel, explicitly denied. To date, no official charges have been filed against them, and it remains unclear whether they have been presented before a prosecutor.
Despite multiple written requests submitted by their defense team seeking permission to visit, the Jordanian authorities have consistently denied these appeals.
The detention of Malas and Abuhais is part of a broader pattern of the Jordanian government detaining activists sympathetic to the plight of Gaza’s residents, who have been facing an extensive military campaign for over six months. The security forces have also actively disbanded numerous peaceful sit-ins in recent months, detaining many participants and coercing them into signing pledges to abstain from further participation.
These actions contravene international standards, as international law upholds individuals’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Repression or violence against demonstrators constitutes a violation of human rights.
Moreover, detaining activists and peaceful demonstrators without a legitimate legal basis infringes upon their rights. Arrests must adhere to specific legal criteria and respect procedural safeguards outlined in international law.
Given these circumstances, it is imperative that the Jordanian authorities align their actions with international legal standards, safeguarding the rights of protesters and activists. This includes ensuring their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, protection against violence, torture, or inhumane treatment during arrest or detention, holding accountable those responsible for human rights violations, and ensuring justice for victims.
