Jordan's King Approves Draconian Bill Criminalizing Online Speech, Sparks Outcry from Human Rights Groups

King Abdullah II of Jordan has approved a bill that criminalizes online speech deemed harmful to national unity, drawing criticism from human rights groups. The law, set to take effect in one month, punishes certain online posts with prison time and fines, including those promoting immorality, showing contempt for religion, or undermining national unity. It also prohibits the publication of names or pictures of police officers online and restricts online anonymity. Critics argue that the law expands state control over social media, hampers access to information, and penalizes anti-government speech. Human rights groups have called the law "draconian," warning that it infringes upon freedom of expression, while the president of Jordan's press association expressed concerns about its impact on press freedom. This is the latest in a series of crackdowns on freedom of expression in Jordan, according to a report by Human Rights Watch.