Defamation and insult in Jordan are treated differently depending on the wording, context, and method of communication. Under the Jordanian Penal Code, penalties vary according to the legal classification of the conduct, while online statements may also fall under Article 15 of Cybercrime Law No. 17 of 2023.
Quick Answer
What is the penalty for defamation and insult in Jordan? Defamation involving a specific allegation may be punishable by imprisonment from two months to one year. Other forms may carry imprisonment from one week to three months, a fine, or shorter penalties depending on the legal classification.
What is the difference between defamation and insult? Jordanian law distinguishes between a specific allegation that harms reputation, an attack on honor without alleging a specific fact, and other insulting or abusive conduct.
Does Jordanian law punish direct insults? Yes. Certain insulting words, gestures, writings, or communications may fall within the provisions governing insult, depending on how and where the conduct occurred.
What about online defamation? Statements made through social media, messaging apps, or other electronic means may also be governed by Article 15 of Jordan’s Cybercrime Law No. 17 of 2023.
Have you been defamed or insulted in Jordan and want to know how the incident may be classified legally? The words used, how they were communicated or published, the people who saw or heard them, and the available evidence can be reviewed to assess the legal issues and possible next steps.
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Defamation and Insult Penalties Under Jordanian Law
The Jordanian Penal Code distinguishes between several forms of conduct affecting a person’s honor, dignity, and reputation. Because the Arabic legal categories do not correspond exactly to common-law terms such as libel and slander, the substance of each offense is more important than a literal translation of its name.
- Defamation involving a specific allegation: Article 188 addresses attributing a specific matter to another person that may damage their dignity or honor or expose them to public contempt.
- Defamatory insult without a specific allegation: Article 188 also distinguishes conduct that attacks a person’s dignity, standing, or honor without alleging a particular fact.
- Direct insult or abusive conduct: Article 190 addresses other forms of insulting conduct outside the previous categories, including certain words, gestures, drawings, writings, harsh treatment, or telephone communications.
Article 189 also addresses the manner in which defamatory or insulting statements may occur, including:
- Statements made in the presence of the victim or in circumstances where other people can hear them.
- Statements made in the victim’s absence before one or more other people.
- Written defamation through publication or communication, including drawings, writing, or messages.
- Statements published through newspapers or other publication media covered by the Penal Code. Where the conduct occurs electronically, the Cybercrime Law currently in force must also be considered.
What Are the Penalties for Defamation and Insult in Jordan?
Online Defamation and Insult in Jordan
If defamatory or insulting content is communicated through the internet, social media, messaging applications, or another electronic system, Article 15 of Cybercrime Law No. 17 of 2023 may apply. The applicable legal rules may therefore differ from those governing statements made through traditional, non-electronic means.
Deadline for Filing a Defamation or Insult Complaint in Jordan
According to the provisions discussed in this guide, Article 364 of the Penal Code makes certain defamation and insult cases dependent on the victim taking the status of a personal-right claimant where that requirement applies.
Article 3 of the Jordanian Code of Criminal Procedure also provides for a three-month period for filing a complaint or personal claim, calculated from the date the victim becomes aware that the offense occurred, in cases to which that limitation applies.
This complaint period should be distinguished from the rules governing limitation of the public criminal action, because they concern different legal issues. Cybercrime cases may also be subject to specific rules. Under Article 15(b), the Public Prosecution may proceed without a complaint or personal claim where the electronic offense is directed against certain State authorities, official bodies, or public administrations.
Elements of a Defamation or Insult Offense in Jordan
As with other criminal offenses, the conduct discussed in this guide generally requires examination of both the material act and criminal intent.
- Material element: The court examines the statement, communication, or conduct directed at the victim and whether it falls within the legal definition of the alleged offense. The effect on the victim’s honor, dignity, or reputation may also be relevant depending on the offense.
- Criminal intent: The mental element concerns whether the accused knowingly and intentionally engaged in conduct falling within the relevant offense. The wording, context, manner of communication, and surrounding evidence may therefore be important.
Examples of Defamation and Insult
- Specific defamatory allegation: Accusing another person of being a thief or telling others that the person operates an illegal or disreputable establishment may constitute an allegation of a specific fact affecting reputation, depending on the circumstances.
- Defamatory insult without a specific allegation: Making a statement that attacks a person’s honesty or reputation without alleging a particular event or act may fall within a different legal category.
- Direct insult: Abusive language or degrading comparisons directed personally at another person may fall within the provisions governing insulting conduct, depending on the words used and the circumstances.
Where the conduct goes beyond an insulting statement and involves knowingly making a false report or false criminal accusation, the legal classification may be different and should be assessed under the provisions governing false accusations and related offenses.
Sample Defamation and Insult Complaint in Jordan
The following example is for general guidance only. The wording of a complaint, criminal classification, requested relief, and supporting evidence will depend on the exact statements used, how they were communicated, and the circumstances of the incident.
To the Public Prosecution Office in ______
Complainant: ______
Attorney for the Complainant: ______
Identification No.: ______
Accused/Respondent: ______
Address: ______
Subject of Complaint:
On ______ at approximately ______, while I was present at ______, the accused directed insulting or defamatory statements toward me in the presence of several people.
Based on the statements made, the circumstances in which they were communicated, and the available evidence, I respectfully request the following:
- Recognize me as a personal-right claimant where legally applicable.
- Initiate the appropriate public criminal proceedings.
- Summon the accused and apply the penalty provided by law if the offense is established.
- Award the applicable fees, costs, and compensation in accordance with the law and the evidence submitted.
Respectfully submitted,
Attorney for the Complainant: ______
Frequently Asked Questions About Defamation and Insult in Jordan
What Is the Difference Between Defamation and Insult in Jordan?
Jordanian law distinguishes between a specific allegation that harms a person’s honor or reputation, an attack on dignity or reputation without alleging a specific fact, and other direct insulting or abusive conduct. The exact legal classification depends on the words used, how they were communicated, and the circumstances of the incident.
What Is the Penalty for Insult in Jordan?
Under Article 360 of the Jordanian Penal Code, certain forms of insult may be punishable by imprisonment for up to one month or a fine of up to JOD 10. The applicable offense and penalty depend on the nature of the words or conduct and whether they fall outside the legal categories of defamation.
Is There a Specific Offense for Attacking Someone’s Honor in Jordan?
Jordanian law does not create a separate offense simply called “attacking someone’s honor.” The conduct is classified according to the statement itself. A specific allegation affecting honor may constitute defamation, while an offensive statement without a specific allegation may fall under another form of defamatory or insulting conduct.
How Does the Jordanian Court of Cassation Treat Defamation and Insult Cases?
Jordanian Court of Cassation decisions generally assess the exact words used, the context in which they were communicated or published, and whether the statutory elements of the alleged offense are established. Recent cases have also addressed electronic defamation and insult, taking into account the law in force when the conduct occurred.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Defamation or Insult Complaint in Jordan?
Where Jordanian law requires a complaint or personal claim, the right to file generally expires three months after the victim becomes aware that the offense occurred. This deadline is different from the limitation period governing the public criminal action, which is a separate legal issue and may depend on the circumstances of the case.
What Are Examples of Defamation and Insult in Jordan?
A specific accusation of serious misconduct may constitute defamation if it harms another person’s reputation. A statement attacking someone’s honesty or dignity without alleging a specific event may fall under another category, while direct abusive language may constitute insult. The final classification depends on the wording, context, method of communication, and evidence.
Conclusion
The penalty for defamation or insulting conduct in Jordan depends on the legal classification of the statement. A specific allegation affecting another person’s reputation is treated differently from an attack on honor without a specific allegation or other direct insulting conduct. The wording, context, method of communication, audience, and available evidence all matter.
The deadline for filing a complaint should also be reviewed carefully, particularly where the three-month complaint period applies. If the statement was made online or through social media, the Cybercrime Law may introduce additional or different legal rules.
Before filing a defamation or insult complaint in Jordan
It can be helpful to collect the exact words used, the date of the incident, how the statement was made or published, the names of any witnesses, and copies of messages, screenshots, documents, or other evidence connected with the incident.
Review the Case Before Filing a Complaint
Complaint requirements and the appropriate procedure depend on the nature of the statement, how it was communicated, and the evidence available in each case.
Official Sources
- Jordanian Ministry of Justice – Penal Code No. 16 of 1960 and Amendments
- Jordanian Official Gazette – Cybercrime Law No. 17 of 2023
- Jordanian Ministry of Justice – Code of Criminal Procedure No. 9 of 1961 and Amendments
Legal Disclaimer: This content provides general legal information only. The legal classification, applicable penalty, complaint deadline, and appropriate procedure depend on the exact wording used, the context, method of publication or communication, the parties involved, and the available evidence. Current legislation and the specific facts of the case should be reviewed before applying any conclusion to an individual matter.
Mohammad Jaser Al-Atasi is a lawyer and legal consultant based in Amman, Jordan, with over 25 years of experience in litigation and legal advisory services. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master’s degree in Civil Law, in addition to specialized qualifications in Sharia and Arbitration. He is the founder of Al-Atasi Law Firm and Legal Consultations, where he provides legal services to individuals and businesses in civil, commercial, and criminal matters, as well as contract drafting, legal appeals, and representation before Jordanian courts.