Jordan Times
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Gov't planning
'freedom square'
By Francesca Sawalha and Mohammed Ben Hussein
AMMAN — Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit yesterday
said his government was planning to establish a “freedom square” to allow
citizens to express their views freely.
Most observers said the idea reminded them of the celebrated Speakers' Corner in
London's Hyde Park.
“The square will provide a neutral space for people to express themselves in a
civilised manner,” Bakhit told parliamentarians in his policy statement.
Details on the mechanisms for the establishment of the “square” were not
immediately clear, as officials told The Jordan Times that the initiative was in
its preliminary stages.
“We still need to articulate the proposal, but the concept is there,” said
Minister of Political Development and Parliamentary Affairs Sabri Rbeihat. He
said the government wanted to “offer an alternative to the prototype of all
political actions coming from one side.”
The minister also said the projected “freedom square” could offer an alternative
tool of expression to rallies, marches and demonstrations.
Most deputies received the proposal with a benevolent smile, while others were
sceptical. Deputy Mamdouh Abbadi (Amman 3rd District) welcomed the idea, but
said its success depended on how the initiative would be implemented.
“It is mainly a publicity stunt... we have to wait and see how it is done,” he
told The Jordan Times.
Deputy Khalil Attiyeh (Amman 1st District) gave a thumbs-up, describing the
initiative as “a step in the right direction.”
“The move enhances our trust in the government. This is a positive way for
citizens to express themselves in a civilised way,” he said.
However, Deputy Thaher Fawaz, (Northern Bedouins) branded the project
“unfeasible.”
“This is an unrealistic idea, due to the political climate in the country.”
Azzam Huneidi (Amman 1st District) dismissed the government's plan outright.
“Opening the media to true democratic debate and guaranteeing freedom of the
press is more important than establishing a public freedom square,” he said.
If the project goes ahead, it will be the first of its kind in the Kingdom.