The Jordanian authorities continue their arrest campaigns against pro-Gaza activists for protesting in support of the people of Gaza, who have been subjected to an Israeli war of genocide since 7 October 2023.
In this context; security forces arrested activist Khaled Al-Natour in front of his home in the capital, Amman, and he was transferred to a security detention centre.
Al-Natour was well-known for his support of the Gaza Strip and for having participated in the sit-in outside the occupation embassy in Amman to demand an end to Israeli aggression. However, the reasons behind his arrest or charges brought against him remain unknown. He was freed a few weeks ago after having been arrested for the same charge.
The Jordanian authorities continue to arrest dozens of activists for showing solidarity with the people of the Gaza Strip, who have been subjected to an Israeli war of genocide for more than 6 months.
The security services have broken up a number of non-violent sit-ins over the past few months, arrested a number of their participants, and made them sign pledges vowing not to take part in similar events again.
As international law guarantees people the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, dispersing peaceful sit-ins and apprehending their participants is against international standards. Repression or violence directed towards demonstrators is regarded as a violation of human rights.
The absence of a clear legal basis for the arrest of activists and participants in nonviolent sit-ins is a blatant violation of their rights, since the arrest must be made in accordance with international law’s procedural and legal safeguards.
Thus, the Jordanian authorities ought to respect international law and ensure the rights of protestors and activists, such as the freedom of speech, the right to peaceful assembly, and the freedom from violence, torture, or cruel or inhuman treatment while in detention. They should also hold those accountable for any violations of human rights and ensure that victims receive justice.
