18 Oct 2011

Bill Criminalizing Corruption Accusations Is Stalled

After demonstrations in Amman, Jordan’s Parliament has decided to postpone the discussion of a bill that criminalizes corruption allegations. The bill has already been endorsed by the Lower House and was expected to pass today at a meeting in the Senate.

The bill raised much criticism from the media, lawyers and the opposition because of article 23, which establishes fines between $42,000 and $85,000 to those who accuse others of corruption without presenting proof. The Jordan Bar Association considers the article to be unconstitutional.

Although no date has been establish to resume the discussion on the proposition, government officials said that a new meeting is likely to take place in one month.

For the full article on middle-east-online.com, please click here. The picture above is also featured in the original article.