Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) strongly condemns the ongoing campaign of repression in Jordan, marked by the arbitrary arrest and administrative detention of activists, journalists, and human rights defenders — including the recent detention of Dr. Nidal Samreen,

a respected surgeon and humanitarian volunteer.

Dr. Samreen was detained by the Jordanian General Intelligence Directorate on October 22, with no official charges or explanation. His arrest reflects a broader pattern of intimidation targeting Jordanians who express solidarity with the Palestinian people or participate in humanitarian initiatives for Gaza.

WJWC warns that these actions represent a dangerous erosion of civil and political rights guaranteed under the Jordanian Constitution and international law. Over recent months, the organization has documented multiple cases of activists and professionals — including teachers, engineers, and journalists — detained under vague pretexts such as “cybercrime,” often for nothing more than peaceful expression or online commentary.

The organization stresses that administrative detention has become an instrument of political punishment, enabling authorities to silence dissent without judicial oversight. This practice stands in direct violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Jordan is a state party.

WJWC calls on the Jordanian authorities to:

·       Immediately and unconditionally release Dr. Nidal Samreen and all those detained for exercising their right to peaceful expression or association.

·       End the use of administrative detention and other extrajudicial measures against activists and journalists.

·       Amend the 2023 Cybercrime Law to eliminate vague provisions that criminalize speech and legitimate criticism.

·       Ensure the independence of the judiciary and prevent the politicization of cases related to human rights and public freedoms.

·       Protect the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, both of which are essential to a healthy and stable democracy.

In the conclusion, WJWC emphasized that suppressing solidarity does not equate to ensuring security, and asserted that respecting fundamental freedoms is the sole route to achieving trust, stability, and authentic national unity.