JOHUD campaigning to scrap Penal Code article on rape

AMMAN – The Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD) on Wednesday launched a campaign calling for scrapping Article 308 from the Penal Code, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The campaign aims at urging the public to reject recent amendments to the article.

JOHUD Executive Director Farah Daghistani said the campaign is part of efforts to raise awareness on the negative social impact of the article.

The government recently amended the article, scrapping pardon in cases of rape, even if the perpetrator offered to marry his victim, but allowing perpetrators of sexual assaults to escape punishment if the victim was between the ages of 15 and 18, and it was consensual.