Jordanian authorities have arrested teacher and educational activist Abdulrahman Al-Duwairi after intercepting his car in a public street, without prior legal notice or any public explanation regarding the circumstances of the case, except a vague reference to what has been termed a “cybercrime case.”
Al-Duwairi, known for his peaceful criticism of state policies in the fields of education and human rights, has long been a vocal advocate for genuine reform that upholds human dignity and freedom of expression. His arrest in this manner reinforces growing concerns over the use of the Cybercrime Law as a tool to silence dissent and suppress critical voices.
Although the Cybercrime Law was originally introduced to address digital threats, its current formulation, according to multiple human rights precedents, is being used to criminalise political opinions and social critique. The law has become a legal cover for punishing activists, teachers, journalists, and ordinary citizens who express dissatisfaction with economic conditions or criticise the state’s performance on social media.
The law’s vague language permits the criminalisation of any post that may be interpreted as “incitement to sedition,” “spreading hate,” or “threatening social harmony,” granting the authorities sweeping powers to detain individuals without clear standards and without real protections for freedom of expression.
Arrests under this law have seen a marked increase in recent years, coinciding with waves of protests by teachers and workers, as well as a crackdown on independent journalism and free platforms. These developments reflect a steady decline in freedom of expression and human rights in the country, as highlighted by UN and international human rights reports.
The targeting of educational figures such as Al-Duwairi is a particularly alarming sign of the expanding scope of repression to include individuals who should be seen as builders of public awareness, not threats to the system. It reflects an attempt to subdue all segments of society, especially those with moral and cultural influence.
Such ongoing practices threaten national cohesion and widen the trust gap between the state and its citizens. The use of broad legal provisions to criminalise peaceful criticism and opposition undermines the very foundations of the rule of law, revealing that so-called cybercrimes are increasingly being used as a legal façade for political repression.
What is urgently needed now is a comprehensive review of this law, ensuring it is applied strictly in the context of protecting society from actual crimes, not as a means to punish those exercising their legitimate right to free expression.
