Media Advocates Urge Swift Release of Detained Pro-Palestinian Journalist in Jordan
Arab groups and media advocacy organizations have urgently called for the release of pro-Palestinian journalist Mohammad Faraj. The journalist was detained by Jordanian authorities earlier this week, and there has been no disclosure regarding the reasons for his arrest or his current location.
The General Secretariat of the Arab National Congress has voiced significant concern regarding the detention of Faraj, a prominent media figure and congress member, upon his return from Beirut to Amman. The organization highlighted that the motives behind his arrest are still uncertain.
The secretariat has called on relevant Jordanian authorities to release Faraj, facilitating his reunion with his family. It highlighted that the journalist, associated with the Lebanese al-Mayadeen television news channel, has conducted his media and political responsibilities with commendable responsibility and dedication, advocating for Arab causes and aspirations.
The Samidoun Network for the Defense of Prisoners has issued a strong condemnation of the detention, describing it as a flagrant breach of constitutional and legal principles. The organization further characterized the move as an attack on the dignity of journalism and its crucial function in conveying the truth.
The network highlighted that the arrest is a component of broader initiatives aimed at stifling dissenting voices and weakening independent media.
Samidoun has issued a call for the immediate release of Faraj, urging authorities to disclose his location and current state. The organization also emphasized the necessity of allowing his family and legal counsel to have access to him.
Saeed Thiab, the chairman of the Democratic Popular Unity Party, remarked that the arrest reflects a reduction in public freedoms and an increase in pressure on Arab figures.
Trump urged the Jordanian government to address the public’s demands, along with those from political and media elites, for Faraj’s release, criticizing the absence of a clear rationale for his detention.
The International Union for Electronic Press and Media has called upon the Jordanian government to release Faraj, asserting that a review of the journalist’s media activities revealed no infractions of Jordanian law.
The United Nations has been urged to enforce more robust legal protections for journalists and media professionals.
Journalist Faraj was taken into custody upon his return to Jordan, where he was vacationing with his wife and fellow journalist, Rana Abi Jumaa.
The couple touched down at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman last Friday, where Faraj was detained by Jordanian authorities upon arrival.
The individual underwent an extensive search and questioning before being transported to an undisclosed location.
The arrest occurs as Jordan continues to uphold its official diplomatic and security ties with Israel, even as Tel Aviv intensifies its control over the occupied West Bank.
The regime continues to violate the November 2024 ceasefire agreement on numerous occasions and persists in occupying five locations in southern Lebanon.
