I can say that measures such as court-ordered media blackouts and vague application of anti-terror & cybercrime laws, although intended for domestic media /audience, have made #Jordan *the most* difficult country for me to report from in the region
That's after 14 years here
That's after 14 years here
And I say "most difficult" because the red-lines are constantly moving, the goalposts shifting, topics that are permissible today are suddenly forbidden tomorrow.
Sources are afraid old social media posts, brought to light because of an interview today, may land them in court.
Sources are afraid old social media posts, brought to light because of an interview today, may land them in court.
It encourages "self-censorship" even on foreign news outlets based in #Jordan, particularly among #Jordan-ian employees for foreign outlets
Problem is, with the shifting red-lines, people give into full self-censorship and everyone starts to sound like like a state news agency.
Problem is, with the shifting red-lines, people give into full self-censorship and everyone starts to sound like like a state news agency.
In turn, WhatsApp channels and posts and Facebook Live fill the void for many #Jordan-ians who have turned away from media- opening them up to misinformation and subversion on issues such as vaccinations, #COVID19, govt measures, and, ironically, issues of national unity/sedition
So many of my colleagues in the foreign press dealing with a #Jordan-ian court-ordered media gag order for the first time may be confused and frustrated.
But this has been the reality in the country the past 3-4 years. I am glad we have a chance to highlight this practice.
But this has been the reality in the country the past 3-4 years. I am glad we have a chance to highlight this practice.
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