Detention of Journalist Mohammad Faraj Raises Concerns Over Press Freedom in Jordan

On December 12, 2025, Jordanian journalist Mohammad Faraj was arrested upon his arrival at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman after returning from Beirut, where he resides. Faraj, a 43-year-old political program presenter and documentary producer for the Beirut-based pro-Hezbollah broadcaster Al-Mayadeen TV, was detained without any official explanation regarding the reasons for his arrest. His wife, fellow journalist Rana Abi Jumaa, who accompanied him, reported that they have been unable to see him or obtain information about his legal status since his detention.

Committee to Protect JournalistsPro-Hezbollah journalist arrested in Jordan; no reason offeredJordanian Circles Demand Release of Detained Al Mayadeen Journalist

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for Jordanian authorities to clarify the legal basis for Faraj's detention and to allow him access to legal representation and family visits. CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah emphasized the serious implications for due process and press freedom in Jordan, stating, “Detaining a journalist without disclosing charges... raises serious concerns about due process and press freedom in Jordan.”

Committee to Protect Journalists

Various political and cultural organizations in Jordan have condemned Faraj's detention. The Jordanian Communist Party described the arrest as a violation of basic legal and human rights, highlighting that Faraj has not been presented to a judicial authority. The Jordanian Popular National Front and the Jordanian National Popular Front also denounced the detention, calling it an infringement on public freedoms and journalists' rights. They demanded Faraj's immediate release, citing his principled positions in defense of truth and justice.

Pro-Hezbollah journalist arrested in Jordan; no reason offeredJordanian Circles Demand Release of Detained Al Mayadeen JournalistCommittee to Protect Journalists

Faraj's arrest occurs within a broader context of increasing restrictions on press freedom in Jordan. The country has been criticized for using laws such as the cybercrime law to prosecute journalists and for banning multiple news sites. The crackdown on pro-Palestine activism has intensified, with reports indicating that hundreds of individuals have been detained or interrogated for expressing solidarity with Gaza since July 2024.

Pro-Hezbollah journalist arrested in Jordan; no reason offered

Jordanian authorities have not provided any official comment regarding Faraj's detention or the reasons behind it. The General Intelligence Department has not responded to inquiries from CPJ regarding the case. The lack of transparency surrounding Faraj's arrest has raised alarms among various stakeholders about the state of press freedoms in Jordan.

Committee to Protect Journalists

Critics argue that Faraj's detention reflects a systematic pattern of targeting journalists and restricting public freedoms in Jordan. The Jordanian Writers Association has expressed solidarity with Faraj, emphasizing that his continued detention contradicts democratic values and press freedoms.

Jordanian Circles Demand Release of Detained Al Mayadeen JournalistCommittee to Protect JournalistsPro-Hezbollah journalist arrested in Jordan; no reason offered

• “Detaining a journalist without disclosing charges, denying access to a lawyer, and preventing family visits raises serious concerns about due process and press freedom in Jordan,” — Sara Qudah, CPJ Regional Director

Committee to Protect Journalists

The situation surrounding Mohammad Faraj remains fluid, with ongoing calls for his release and increased scrutiny on Jordan's treatment of journalists.

Committee to Protect Journalists