Ammon has been reporting about a book written by an Iraqi author, called “The Rain of God”, which seems to “insult God” and has slipped Jordanian censors and made its way onto the market. It’s kind of ironic because I’ve never seen Ammon so much in favor of censorship! What makes this more interesting, is that in the same article that describes the recent banning of the book, Ammon goes on to describe a secret and/or official source who claims that legislation is being drawn up to deal with electronic news sites, such as Ammon. According to the website, it may be developed as a separate law or even finds its way into the latest Press and Publications law. Ammon has not been able to confirm or deny this.
This is deja vu dating back to several months ago, in September, when an intention to monitor websites was declared and then later rejected by the King. Very recently however, there has been an increase in chatter about this subject in political spheres and for those paying attention, this past year, there have been incidents of journalists and politicians who have run into trouble with the law for posting online.
I think despite guarantees from the powers-that-be, we all know or are at least aware of the fact that websites and blogs are monitored. There is a relatively high degree of freedom of speech on the Internet (comparatively), but the country remains in limbo when it comes to the next step. The expectation is that sooner or later there will be a crackdown and people will go to jail. In what form or manner that initiative will take place in remains unknown. Perhaps it will be legislation, perhaps it will be security forces. The shape and form however is
At the end of the day, when it comes to freedom of speech, be it digital or analog, one lesson remains true: there are no guarantees.
What some don’t understand is that freedom of speech is a two way street. Or you can say you can’t have it both ways. Or you can say freedom of speech comes as a set, once you give up a piece, you loose it all.
What is your point Mahanned? “the job of any journalist is to monitor the center of power”. Amira Haas, there is no two way street in pursuing true journalism, there is only the truth street.
not surprised
We are talking about freedom of speech. I don’t think I can make my point clearer except by maybe saying that it is ironic that ammonnews called for censoring a writer and then they complain about the possibility of the being censored. It is just an example of how some want freedom and democracy tailored perfectly to their needs. Is it clear now?
Thats me the last one, I don’t know where bilal came from..