Renewed calls have emerged for the issuance of a general amnesty law in Jordan, coinciding with the start of the extraordinary session of the House of Representatives, amid broad public debate over whether such a step is appropriate in light of rising crime rates in recent times and the accompanying concerns related to public security.

During the program "Your Voice is Heard", broadcast on Radio Al-Balad, the head of the Jordanian National Committee for Demanding a General Amnesty, Sultan Al-Luwaisi, affirmed that the committee is not calling for the release of perpetrators of serious crimes or cases that affect public security. Rather, it is calling for a "regulated" amnesty that includes specific categories of convicted individuals who do not pose a danger to society, foremost among them those convicted in public-right cases that ended with tribal reconciliation and the dropping of personal claims, in addition to first-time offenders convicted of minor violations.

Al-Luwaisi said that crime cannot be directly linked to a general amnesty, explaining that major crimes must remain outside any amnesty and that the state, on the contrary, is required to impose harsher penalties on their perpetrators. He stressed that the committee stands with the rule of law and the authority of the state in confronting serious crimes.

He added that there is a "misunderstanding" among some citizens that those calling for a general amnesty seek the release of murderers, drug traffickers, or repeat serious offenders. He stressed that this is not true and that the demands focus on those who have reconciled with the victims or committed offenses that do not threaten public security.

He pointed out that many cases remain under the public-right category even after the personal claim has been dropped and despite the dispute between the parties having ended. He noted that many families have borne significant financial burdens to complete tribal reconciliation and pay compensation, while the convicted individuals have remained in prison.

Prison overcrowding

Al-Luwaisi considered overcrowding in correctional and rehabilitation centers to be one of the main justifications for issuing a new general amnesty. Circulating estimates indicate there are between 31,000 and 32,000 inmates in prisons, with overcrowding rates in some centers exceeding 200%, while other estimates speak of rates approaching 250%.

He said that this reality is reflected in the humanitarian conditions of inmates, as some rooms accommodate numbers far exceeding their intended capacity, in addition to the high financial costs this imposes on the state.

He referred to previous statements by former President of the State Security Court Dr. Mohammed Al-Afifi, who said that the cost of one prisoner may reach between 900 and 1,000 dinars per month, indicating that continued overcrowding represents an economic burden in addition to its social and humanitarian dimensions.

"70% did not return to crime"

Responding to concerns about released prisoners returning to crime, Al-Luwaisi cited a study that, he said, examined the results of one of the previous amnesty laws and showed that only about 30% of those covered by the amnesty returned to prison, while approximately 70% did not commit any new crimes.

He added that this percentage reflects the possibility of giving a second chance to convicted individuals who have demonstrated readiness to reintegrate into society, while imposing conditions and guarantees to prevent repeat offenses, such as increasing penalties for those who reoffend after their release.

Drug cases

Regarding drug cases, Al-Luwaisi called for distinguishing between drug users and traffickers, considering that users need genuine treatment and rehabilitation programs, while strict penalties should remain in place for major drug traffickers and dealers.

He pointed out that in some cases, young men are classified as dealers even though the quantities seized with them are limited, calling for reconsideration of certain cases that deserve different legal treatment.

Security restrictions and fines

The head of the National Committee for a General Amnesty also addressed what he described as the continued suffering of convicted individuals even after completing their sentences because of security restrictions that remain attached to their records and affect their ability to obtain employment, rent housing, or live normal lives.

He also called for addressing the issue of accumulated financial fines imposed on some convicted individuals, noting that many are unable to pay them because of economic circumstances despite having completed their prison terms.

Where has the amnesty bill reached?

Politically, Al-Luwaisi revealed that the anticipated meeting between the chairman of the Parliamentary Public Freedoms Committee, MP Raed Rabaa Al-Zahrawi, and the Prime Minister is still planned and aims to present the justifications for demanding a general amnesty and clarify the categories intended to be included.

He confirmed that the committee is relying on this meeting to present a different picture to the government regarding the nature of the demands, away from the belief that they include perpetrators of serious crimes.

For his part, MP Basem Al-Rawabdeh, a member of the Ummah Party bloc, said that the general amnesty bill submitted by the bloc and prepared by its head, MP Saleh Al-Armouti, is still in the drawers of the House of Representatives and has not yet been placed on the agenda.

Al-Rawabdeh explained that the current extraordinary session does not constitutionally permit the inclusion of new legislation outside the Royal Decree that called for the session, unless a new Royal Decree is issued adding the bill to the agenda.

He added that the bloc will follow up on the bill with the presidency of the House of Representatives as soon as the next ordinary session convenes, stressing its continued demand for the approval of a general amnesty.

Calls for clear standards

During the discussion, the speakers stressed the need for any general amnesty law to be based on clear standards, including cases that ended with reconciliation and the dropping of personal claims, first-time minor offenders, and those who do not pose a threat to public security, while excluding serious crimes, terrorism cases, major drug offenses, premeditated murder, and serious assaults.

Supporters of a general amnesty believe that such a step could help reduce prison overcrowding, lessen the state's financial burdens, and give thousands of convicted individuals a second chance to reintegrate into society, while opponents argue that public security considerations and rising crime rates must be taken into account before making such a decision.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the head of the National Committee for Demanding a General Amnesty renewed his appeal for the issuance of a "broad and regulated" general amnesty that would include those he described as "deserving of amnesty." He stressed that the goal is not to be lenient toward crime, but rather to give a second chance to those who have resolved their disputes with society and met the conditions of rehabilitation, thereby strengthening family stability and social peace.