The Jordanian authorities must immediately cease their crackdown on pro-Gaza protests and immediately release dozens of activists who have been illegally detained solely because of their peaceful criticism of the government’s policies towards Israel, Amnesty International said today.
Since 7 October 2023, the Jordanian authorities have arrested at least 1,500 people, including about 500 detained since March following huge protests outside the Israeli Embassy in Amman in March.
“The Jordanian government must immediately release all those who have been arbitrarily detained since October 2023 over their pro-Palestine activism. The government must ensure that protesters and activists have the freedom to peacefully criticize the government’s policies towards Israel without being attacked by security forces or violently arrested,” said Reina Wehbi, Amnesty International’s campaigner on Jordan.
Videos verified by Amnesty International show how Jordanian security forces outside the Israeli Embassy on 25, 26 and 27 March broke up demonstrations using tear gas, violently dispersed protesters using batons, and chased and beat others as they removed them from the streets.
At least 165 protesters were arrested between 24 and 27 March, while scores have been detained since, lawyers for the detainees told Amnesty international. Dozens remain in detention pending trial, while at least 21 individuals are being held in illegal administrative detention on orders of the Governor of Amman even though the public prosecutor permitted their release.
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