Jordan Times
Monday, December 19, 2005
MPs ask gov't to
consider human rights, individual freedoms when drafting anti-terrorism law
By Mohammad Ben Hussein
AMMAN — Lower House deputies told the government
of Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Sunday, the first day of deliberations on the
policy statement, to respect human rights and individual freedoms when drafting
an anti-terrorism law.
In a statement read by Deputy Mohammad Akel (Baqaa) on behalf of the Islamic
Action Front, the group said they were concerned over the future of democracy in
the Kingdom in the wake of the Nov. 9 attacks on Amman.
“We are not certain if freedom laws will preserve freedoms or curb them,” said
Akel.
While strongly condemning the attacks on three hotels in Amman, the group
rejected the government's bid to “exploit the attack in order to pass martial
laws.”
The government's policy statement, presented to Parliament last week, laid
emphasis on “protecting freedom of opinion, freedom of expression and individual
rights,” and ensuring that anti-terror draft legislation will not conflict, but
complement and safeguard of public liberties.
Several other deputies echoed the IAF call on the government to specify its
stand on the amended elections and professional associations' laws, to be
submitted to Parliament soon.
Deputy Hashem Qaissi (Amman Sixth District) urged Bakhit not to delay issuing
these laws.
“We hope the intended laws will see the light within the lifetime of this
Parliament and this government,” he said.
Bakhit pledged to implement the most important legislative changes recommended
by the National Agenda of political, economic and fiscal reforms and protection
of freedoms. He vowed to amend several laws outlined by the National Agenda
report, including the political parties, municipalities and elections laws, as
well as all laws on civil society, such as the professional associations and
press laws.
Deputies also called on the government to be efficient in tackling the country's
economic problems, including poverty, unemployment, skyrocketing prices,
corruption, nepotism and favoritism.
The majority of deputies, who took the podium in yesterday's session, also asked
Bakhit to specify timelines for the government's economic, social and political
plans mentioned in the 28-page policy statement.
“If the government is able to carry out 50 per cent of its promised development
plan, it will be very successful,” said Deputy Raji Haddad (Amman Second
District).
MPs agreed that Bakhit's policy statement was very ambitious in its promises to
improve the country's economic situation, to the extent of being `unrealistic'.”
Deputy Ibrahim Meshuakhi (Zarqa First District) criticised the government's
proposed plan to set up a freedom square that would allow individuals to express
their opinions freely.
“We do not need freedom squares. What we need is freedom, not for the people but
for the government, because a free government translates into a free nation,” he
said.
Despite the rhetoric, observers and lawmakers anticipate that Bakhit's
government, sworn-in on Nov. 27, will receive the approval of more than 85-90 of
the 110 deputies in the confidence vote slated for the end of this week.
Relatives of prisoners in Israeli jails stage protest
AMMAN (Petra) — Relatives of Jordanians detained in Israeli jails staged a
sit-in outside Parliament on Sunday, demanding that lawmakers give due attention
towards securing their freedom.
Several deputies, including Khalil Atieh who heads the Shaab bloc, listened to
their demands and promised to take up the issue with the government.
Deupty Abdul Majid Khawaldeh said successive governments had neglected the
prisoners' issue and there was dire need to reopen their files.
He promised the protestors, who carried photos of the prisoners and posters
listing their demands, that he would urge the government to create a committee
to address the issue.
According to Saleh Ajlouni, who heads the committee of families of Jordanian
prisoners of war and those missing in action, Israel is still holding 30
Jordanians, in addition to 29 others who are unaccounted for. Blaming past
governments for a lack of serious action, Ajlouni said the sit- in should be
considered as a clear message to the deputies who have failed to shoulder their
responsibilities.