House speaker rejects gag policy, says there is need to consolidate media laws

AMMAN — Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh on Thursday stressed the importance of consolidating media-related laws under the umbrella of a single law that would “regulate the work of the profession” and “elevate it to the aspirations journalists and citizens hope for”.

He made his remarks during a meeting with the president and members of the Professional Associations Council, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The meeting addressed the legislative amendments to be discussed by the Lower House, specifically the tax and electronic crimes amendments.

Tarawneh stated that he does not support the gag policy and upholds the freedoms enshrined in the constitution, however, he added that anyone who violates the law and abuses people under the pretext of freedom of opinion must be held accountable.