Jordan imposes media blackout on Karak church shooting investigation

Amman's public prosecutor, Hassan Al-Abdallat, has imposed a publication ban on the investigation into the events surrounding the shooting at Hamoud Church in Jordan's Karak governorate, with the exception of official government media supervised by the Ministry of Government Communication, according to the Jordan News Agency (Petra).

The order requires all print, broadcast, and online media, as well as social media platforms, to refrain from publishing any news or information related to the case or its investigation, or anything that could affect the course of justice, under penalty of legal and judicial action.

The decision is based on Article 39 of the Press and Publications Law and Article 225 of the Penal Code, and also prohibits the circulation or republication of photos, videos, and information connected to the case.

The ban also extends to news about the publication ban itself or its circulation, again exempting only official government media under the ministry's supervision.

At least seven people were killed and around ten others injured on Friday when unidentified gunmen opened fire inside a church in the village of Hamoud, Karak governorate, southern Jordan, during a funeral service. Security forces continue to pursue those involved, according to Jordanian television and the Jordan News Agency.