Court upholds charges against two defendants in online defamation case

AMMAN — The specialised unit at the Amman Criminal Magistrate Court ruled on a case involving two individuals accused of publishing false information online. 

This case is significant because it is the first after recent amendments to the Cybercrime Law, which mandates stiffer penalties for publishing of false news, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The court confirmed charges against the two suspects, 49 and 20, who are employed as drivers. 

They have been fined JD5,000 each, and the verdict can be challenged in a specialised court. 

The indictment included publishing misleading information related to earthquakes on WhatsApp in September. Comprehensive investigations by the Cybercrime Unit substantiated these claims.

The legislative justifications cited for the Cybercrime Law include the developments in the information and communications technology field, which requires the criminalisation of illegal acts committed via electronic means, and aligning the bill with the Arab Convention on Combating Information Technology Offences and international anti-cybercrime standards. 

The bill will provide protection for public and private rights and freedoms in circumstances related to online extortion, e-fraud, incitement of violence and hatred, insults to religion, violations of privacy and digital attacks on e-payment methods and banking services.

The draft law also recognises certain judicial and police procedures related to cybercrime, and organises the country’s relationship with social media platforms operating outside of Jordan.