Financial Crime Prevention Strategies in Jordan Under Fire as Government Pushes for Amendment

The Jordanian government has sparked controversy with its latest move to amend the Crime Prevention Law, a decision that has raised eyebrows among human rights organizations and critics alike.

Background

According to sources, the draft law aims to regulate tribal customs such as jalwa (forced relocation) and “face cutting” (a guarantor failing to fulfill their promise to protect an individual from harm). However, many have expressed concerns over the law’s potential to sanction these practices under the guise of reducing their repercussions.

Proposed Amendments

The proposed amendment would:

• Limit jalwa to include only the offender, his sons, and his father, for a period of two years subject to renewal.
• Regulate “face cutting” by imposing a fine of at least JD50,000 on violators, payable to the kafil al-dafa or kafil al-wafa (guarantors in reconciliation agreements).

Criticism

Many have criticized the move, citing concerns over the law’s potential to perpetuate human rights violations. “This draft law is a recipe for disaster,” said a spokesperson for the National Centre for Human Rights. “It will only serve to further entrench arbitrary detention and torture, and undermine the rule of law.”

History of Controversy

The controversy surrounding the Crime Prevention Law has been ongoing for years, with many arguing that it allows for arbitrary detention and human rights violations.

• In 2009, Human Rights Watch released a report highlighting the law’s flaws, citing cases of administrative detention being used to punish individuals for their political beliefs or to silence critics.
• Others have argued that the law is necessary to address honor-related crimes, which are a significant problem in Jordan. However, many have questioned whether the solution lies in regulating these customs rather than addressing the root causes of these crimes.

Debate

The controversy has sparked heated debate among civil society organizations and human rights groups, with some calling for the law to be repealed entirely. Others argue that the law should be reformed to ensure that it is more in line with international human rights standards.

Conclusion

As the government continues to push forward with the draft law, many are left wondering whether this move will ultimately serve to perpetuate human rights violations or bring about positive change. Only time will tell if the proposed amendments will lead to a more just and equitable society in Jordan.