Jordanian police warn against hate speech, vow to monitor online crimes

Jordan's Public Security Directorate announced that its Cybercrime Unit is monitoring posts and comments containing legal violations, particularly those inciting hatred or targeting others, both inside and outside the Kingdom.

The directorate stated on its official X account that the unit is following up on "any posts or comments containing legal violations that incite hatred or offend others, whether within Jordan or abroad."

The Public Security Directorate did not clarify whether this monitoring is linked to specific incidents or posts, nor did it announce any arrests or the referral of new cases to the judiciary related to these violations.

The announcement came after an attack on a church in Jordan's Karak governorate, which prompted official reactions and condemnations, including Yemeni Prime Minister Shayea Al-Zindani denouncing the attack, offering condolences to the Jordanian king, government, and people, and reaffirming Yemen's rejection of targeting places of worship and acts of terrorism, as well as its solidarity with Jordan.

Jordan's Cybercrime Unit is responsible for handling reports and cases related to violations on digital platforms and communication channels, in accordance with the Kingdom's regulations. This includes inciting or offensive content punishable by law, with the identification of violations and procedures subject to the jurisdiction of the competent judicial authorities.

The Public Security statement did not specify new penalties or exceptional measures, but reiterated the ongoing monitoring of posts and comments that violate the law, emphasizing the importance of regulating online discourse amid heightened security tensions, and confirming that legal responsibility is determined by the relevant courts.