SECURITYJordan Proposes Tougher Anti-Terrorism Laws After Karak Attack

Jordan Doubles Terrorism Sentences and Scraps Early Release

Jordan’s Cabinet has approved a sweeping overhaul of the country’s anti-terrorism framework, introducing harsher prison terms, eliminating early release options, and establishing mandatory post-sentence surveillance.

Within two weeks, the draft amendments will head to Jordan‘s House of Representatives. Lawmakers there hold the constitutional authority to approve, reject, or modify the proposals. The Jordan Prime Ministry frames these changes as the initial package in a broader legislative review aimed at tightening national security.

The legal tightening follows a high-profile attack in the Karak governorate. Three suspects, two Jordanian brothers and a relative by marriage, were charged after a shooting that left nine people dead and at least 30 injured. Police tracked down and arrested the suspects three days after they fled the scene.

Under the proposed framework, minimum prison sentences for terrorism-related crimes jump from five years to 10 years, scaling up to 15 years in specific cases or the death penalty. Convictions involving multiple offenses will see penalty periods combined rather than served concurrently. Furthermore, anyone found cooperating, inciting, or intervening with perpetrators faces doubled penalties.

The traditional “good behaviour” exemption, which historically allowed inmates to exit custody after serving three-quarters of a sentence, is completely scrapped for terrorism convictions. Courts will also enforce mandatory precautionary measures, placing convicts under active post-sentence surveillance using court-approved tools. Penalties for terrorism-related hate speech and behaviors are likewise extended and intensified.