Three journalists arrested and condemned by a fatwa

Reporters Without Borders has asked the Jordanian authorities to immediately release Nasser Qamash, Roman Haddad and Muhannad Mbeidin, of the weekly Al-Hilal, arrested since 16 January 2003, and protect the three journalists following a fatwa describing them as 'apostates' who 'should burn in hell'. '"It is excessive and disproportionate to shut a newspaper and imprison three of its journalists for a mere article, even if it broke religious taboos", said Reporters Without Borders secretary-general Robert Ménard. '"The Jordanian authorities wished to appease the country's Islamic opposition. Not content with having obtained what they wanted, Islamic Action Front (IAF) clerics issued an apostasy fatwa (religious decree) against the journalists. This proves that repressive methods limiting freedom of the press merely play into the hands of the most intolerant", he added. Al-Hilal's Chief Editor, Nasser Qamash, Managing Editor, Roman Haddad, and the writer of the article, Muhannad Mbeidin, were arrested on 16 January 2003 'for fifteen days for investigative purposes' on order of the State Security Court prosecution. The latter charges them with publishing on 14 January 2003 an article 'lacking respect for the family of the Prophet Mohammed and disparaging the dignity of the State'. That article, entitled 'Aisha in the Prophet's home' discussed Prophet Mohammed's sexual relations with his spouses, especially his favourite, Aisha. All the copies of Al-Hilal have been withdrawn from circulation and the weekly has been shut since 17 January 2003.