Amman:The Cabinet has approved amendments to laws related to terrorism, aiming to impose stricter penalties for those convicted of terrorism offenses. This decision is part of an effort to enhance national security and ensure social stability.
According to Jordan News Agency, the proposed amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Law will see minimum prison sentences for terrorism offenses double from five to ten years, and from ten to fifteen years in certain cases. Additionally, some offenses may result in the death penalty.
The amendments include measures requiring consecutive sentences for individuals convicted of multiple terrorism offenses, with each sentence calculated separately. This change is intended to improve deterrence. Furthermore, the definition of a prison year for terrorism convicts will be redefined as twelve months instead of nine, preventing early release as previously allowed under Article 34 of the Correction and Rehabilitation Centers Law.
Effective immediately, the good-conduct exemption for inmates currently serving sentences for terrorism offenses is suspended. Until legislative changes are finalized, a prison year for these inmates will count as twelve months.
The amendments also propose mandatory precautionary measures for individuals convicted of terrorism offenses after serving their prison sentences. Such measures include enhanced security supervision determined by the court, potentially involving electronic monitoring, surveillance, and house arrest, to mitigate future threats.
Penalties will be heightened for those who assist, incite, or participate in terrorism offenses, including tougher penalties for hate speech and related conduct. The Cabinet has given the amendments urgent status, directing that they be presented to the House of Representatives within two weeks for further discussion and approval.
These measures are part of the first phase of a larger government review aimed at strengthening efforts to combat terrorism and extremism and reinforcing national security and social stability.