No shortcuts to press freedom

Jordan never fails to celebrate and commemorate the annual World Press Freedom Day with a renewed determination to perfect its legislation and practices on the subject.

This year's celebration took the form of a roundtable discussion by various stakeholders of "Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and the Rule of Law". UNESCO Representative in Amman Costanza Farina delivered the opening statement about the "interplay between the media, the judiciary and rule of law" within the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Jordanian senior judges, including Ghazi Huweimel and Amal Abu Ubaid, highlighted the role of the judiciary in promoting and protecting freedom of the press. The establishment of the press and publication chamber, a specialised courtroom, was duly noted and appreciated in promoting freedom of the press. Minister of State for Media Affairs Mohammad Momani took part in the deliberations by pointing out Jordan's continued commitment to promote responsible freedom of the press.

The issue of freedom of the press in the Kingdom remains a constant concern. No country has been successful in achieving it in shortcut ways. There is a deep-rooted universal conviction that freedom of the press is so fundamental that it must be given priority by all countries, including Jordan.

The creation of a culture for this goal takes time, but the momentum for creating such a culture must be maintained and sustained. The role of the judiciary remains fundamental in promoting this culture by adopting judicial precedents that stipulate the reasonable boundaries of free press.

In the final analysis, it is the judiciary that provides the indicators and benchmarks for this developing goal. Jordan knows this and is determined to promote and protect it.