Jordan’s State Security Court sentenced teacher Hamza Bani Issa to two years in prison for expressing solidarity with the Gaza Strip and calling for support for its residents during the ongoing war there.
The sentence comes amid a growing trend of prosecutions targeting activists and citizens who have expressed support for Gaza during the two-year war it has endured since October 7, 2023.
The case stems from statements and positions Bani Issa took expressing solidarity with the residents of the Gaza Strip, calling on Arab armies to intervene and support them. These statements became the basis for legal proceedings that culminated in a two-year prison sentence.
This ruling raises serious questions about the limits of freedom of expression in the country, particularly when it comes to political or humanitarian stances related to a cause that garners widespread public sympathy in the Arab world.
Information related to the case indicates that Bani Issa was subjected to physical assault during his interrogation by the Preventive Security Service, resulting in the loss of sight in one eye. This raises serious concerns about the use of violence during interrogations, in clear violation of fundamental human rights principles that prohibit torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment under any circumstances.
The prosecution of individuals for their opinions or political stances poses a significant problem with regard to freedom of expression, a fundamental right guaranteed by national laws and international conventions.
Furthermore, referring cases related to civil or political expression to exceptional courts also raises legal criticisms, as such cases should be heard before the regular civil courts, not security-oriented courts.
Bani Issa’s case highlights a more sensitive issue: the restrictions imposed on solidarity activities with Gaza in several countries, despite the fact that supporting civilians affected by war is fundamentally a humanitarian and ethical stance before it is a political one. The persecution or punishment of voices expressing solidarity with Gaza sends a disturbing message about the shrinking space for public freedoms, especially in matters related to human conscience and justice.
In light of the allegations surrounding the arrest and interrogation of Bani Issa, demands are growing for an independent and transparent investigation into the torture he endured, and for holding accountable any party found to be involved in violating the safety of detainees. Protecting the human dignity of detainees is not merely a procedural matter, but a fundamental principle that cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
