Jordan’s Information Minister Quits in Media Freedom Dispute

Posted June 21st, 2011 at 9:25 am (UTC-5)
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Jordan's information minister says he has resigned from his post because of proposed laws that restrict media freedoms in the country.

Taher Edwan quit his post Tuesday ahead of a debate on a new press and publications draft law. He said the draft law is a setback to the government's reform plan and restricts Jordanians' freedom of expression.

It is unclear whether Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit accepted the Cabinet minister's resignation. The Cabinet will send the draft law to parliament for endorsement this week.

Earlier this month, Jordan's King Abdullah said he would pursue reforms that would allow the formation of future governments based on an elected parliamentary majority. The government also has lifted restrictions on public assembly, allowing protesters to demonstrate freely.