Jordan bans publication of investigation into attack near Karak church

Amman’s public prosecutor banned publication of the investigation into the armed attack near a church in Karak Governorate during a funeral. The ban covers audiovisual and print media as well as social media platforms, with official media exempted.

Amman Public Prosecutor Hassan al-Abdallat banned publication of the investigation into the armed attack that took place near Al-Hamoud Church in Karak Governorate. The decision prohibits publishing or circulating any news, information, images or video footage related to the investigation and incident through audiovisual and print media and social media platforms.

The decision exempts official media operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Government Communication. Violations could expose media outlets and other platforms to legal and judicial liability. The decision was based on Article 39 of the Publications and Publishing Law and Article 225 of the Penal Code.

مدينة الكرك

The Public Security Directorate had announced that unidentified gunmen opened fire near one of the churches in the governorate during a funeral ceremony, leaving people dead and injured, and that security forces were pursuing the perpetrators. Initial announced figures for the number of casualties varied, while Jordan’s King Abdullah II pledged to impose the harshest penalties on those responsible.