jordan pulse -

Mohammad Al-Subaihi writes that a majority of Jordanian MPs are calling on the government to draft a new general amnesty law, but the government strongly opposes the idea, arguing that the last amnesty law was issued in April 2024.

He notes that no country enacts two general amnesty laws within a single year, as this would weaken the deterrent effect of criminal laws and undermine judicial authority. Moreover, MPs have not provided strong justifications for a new law, making their demand appear more like an electoral publicity move.

However, Al-Subaihi acknowledges that the 2024 amnesty law was not perfect and could have been broader. Instead of a new law, he suggests that MPs propose amendments to address its shortcomings. This could include provisions to pardon crimes where reconciliation and personal rights have been waived and reconsider certain offenses related to Syrian organizations that are now officially recognized by Jordan and the international community.