News - Middle East: Jordanian authorities have detained pro-Hezbollah journalist Mohammed Faraj, without providing any official clarification on the reasons for his arrest or information about his whereabouts, despite repeated inquiries.

Faraj, who works for the Lebanese al-Mayadeen television news channel as a political program presenter and documentary producer, was arrested after returning to Jordan on vacation with his wife, fellow journalist Rana Abi Jumaa. 

The couple arrived at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman last Friday, where Faraj was stopped by Jordanian officials upon entry.

He was subjected to a thorough search and interrogation and then taken to an undisclosed location. 

Faraj’s family was told he would be released shortly, but he was never set free, with no charges announced. No information has been provided about his legal status or whereabouts. 

According to al-Mayadeen, all information about his condition remains based on hearsay, as family members have not been allowed to see him despite frequent requests.

Several political and cultural bodies in Jordan have condemned the detention of Faraj, who is also a member of the Arab National Conference. They have described the move as a clear violation of public freedoms and journalists’ rights.

In a statement, the Jordanian Popular National Front denounced Faraj’s arrest, saying he is known for his principled positions in defense of truth, justice, and the Palestinian cause.

The front said Faraj was detained about a week ago upon his arrival at Amman’s airport from Beirut, without any clarification of the reasons for his arrest.

The Jordanian Communist Party and the Jordanian National Popular Front also condemned the detention, calling it a violation of basic rights and legal guarantees. They demanded Faraj’s immediate release.

The detention comes against the backdrop of Jordan continuing its formal diplomatic and security cooperation with Israel, even as Tel Aviv intensifies its grip over the occupied West Bank.

The regime is also violating the November 2024 ceasefire repeatedly, and continues to occupy five locations in southern Lebanon.

Back in July, the Britain-based Middle East Eye news website reported that Jordanian authorities have undertaken their most extensive crackdown on pro-Palestine activism since 1989, detaining or interrogating hundreds of individuals for expressing solidarity with Gaza.

Source: Press TV