Jordan - July 2025

On 20 July, security forces detained Yanal Freihat, an elected member of parliament (MP) and representative of the Islamic Action Front (IAF), the largest party in parliament. The arrest followed a social media post in which Freihat criticised the government’s decision to ban the Muslim Brotherhood. He was charged under Jordan’s Cybercrime Law No. 17 of 2023, which prohibits online content deemed harmful to national unity or public order. Although Freihat was released on bail on the same day, a travel ban was imposed as a condition, and legal proceedings remain ongoing. This marks the first detention of a sitting MP since the ban on the Muslim Brotherhood was enacted in April. Throughout July, several charities and civil society organisations were also referred to the Public Prosecutor’s office over alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Sources: Middle East Eye (1), Ad-Dustour, The Jordan Times, Middle East Eye (2)