Senate Legal Committee endorses general pardon law

AMMAN — The Senate Legal Committee passed on Wednesday the draft general pardon law 2024 as referred from the Lower House with no amendments.

It is usually the norm that the Senate endorses amendments to laws and recommendations made by its legal committee.  

His Majesty on March 20 directed the government to prepare a draft general pardon law and to proceed with its constitutional procedures, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The Royal directives came on the occasion of the silver jubilee of His Majesty's assumption of his constitutional powers and his accession to the throne.  

The government said that the draft law prioritises the public interest safeguards personal and civil rights, and upholds the principles of justice and the rule of law. It also paves the way for rehabilitation opportunities for individuals involved in certain crimes, offering them a chance for societal reintegration.

MPs demanded that the general pardon cover all cases involving reconciliation, except those compromising honour and national security, adding that the bill should include the largest number of cases involving personal rights waivers. 

They also called for including murder cases if they are associated with reconciliation, stating that if there is reconciliation in a murder case, it should be included in the general pardon.