Jordan's State Security Court, Hashim al-Khalidi and Seif Obeidat Case
Case Law- Country
- Country Location
Latitude: 31.17535669966519
Longitude: 36.37813568115235
- Country Location (linked Case Law)
- Jordan
- Decision Date
- Jan 29, 2015
- Case Status
- Closed
- Keywords
- Disinformation
- False News
- Freedom of Press
- Media/Press
- Terrorism
- Judicial Body
- Specialized Court / Tribunal
- Court Name
- State Security Court
- Case Number
- N/A
- Case Summary
In January 2015, Jordanian authorities arrested Hashim al-Khalidi, owner of Saraya News, and Seif Obeidat, the editor-in-chief, accusing them of aiding terrorism and spreading false news about a hostage negotiation involving an Iraqi militant. The case involves charges under Jordan’s anti-terrorism law, with potential sentences of up to 15 years in prison. The government also ordered the shutdown of Saraya News. The case has drawn international criticism for its impact on press freedom and the use of broad anti-terrorism measures to regulate media reporting.
- Related Caselaw (self)
- Source URL
- CPJ
- Notes
This case highlights the troubling use of broad anti-terrorism laws by Jordanian authorities to suppress press freedom. This raises significant concerns about the balance between national security and freedom of expression.
- Collection
- SMEX
- Date Updated
- Aug 9, 2024