Jordanian security forces arrested writer and activist Saber Al-Adayleh on Tuesday evening as he was leaving the book fair in the Karak Governorate, shortly after launching his new book titled “A Social and Cultural Novel.”
According to Al-Adayleh’s family, the arrest occurred under unclear circumstances, with no official explanation provided. They noted that he suffers from serious health issues and is nearing 70 years of age.
Al-Adayleh had previously been arrested multiple times over opinions and positions he shared on his social media page, where he defended citizens’ rights and interests, according to his family.
This arrest constitutes a flagrant violation of an individual’s right to freedom of opinion and expression, as well as the right to publish and participate in cultural discourse. Any detention based on intellectual activity or opinion is considered arbitrary and contradicts international legal standards, which require states to ensure transparency in arrest procedures and access to the courts.
Repeated arrests related to cultural or political expression undermine individuals’ fundamental freedoms and negatively affect society as a whole by restricting open dialogue and participation in cultural life. Moreover, detaining an elderly individual with known health issues without ensuring proper medical care adds further risk and exacerbates the legal and human rights violations.
These violations highlight the urgent need to protect the fundamental rights of writers, intellectuals, and activists and to ensure that no one is subjected to arrest or harassment merely for expressing their views or publishing cultural works. A free and open environment for dialogue and thought must be safeguarded in society.
