Calls are growing to suspend the implementation of the Defense Law in Jordan, given that its justifications no longer exist. The kingdom has entered a phase of easing restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic since the beginning of this month. Prime Minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh recently confirmed that the government has "closed the file on the coronavirus crisis."
Epidemiologists believe the situation is different now, as all sectors have returned to work and that activating the Defense Law requires a state of emergency, while the world is now coming to terms with the pandemic. They believe the epidemiological situation is currently stable, with the only remaining manifestations of COVID-19 being the Defense Law, face masks, and a green certificate indicating the vaccinations citizens have received.
Hamada Abu Nijmeh, an expert in labor and workers' issues and director of the Workers' House Center, pointed out that there is no justification for the continued implementation of the Defense Law, as the situation is different from what we experienced at the beginning of the pandemic. We have now reached a stage of coexistence and a desire to recover.
He added, "The lack of justification requires the government to suspend the defense orders. Furthermore, we have applicable labor and social security laws, along with the Public Health Law, which grants the Minister of Health the authority to address the pandemic if cases arise that require urgent action." According to observers, the implementation of the law had a positive aspect, as it helped mitigate the health impact of the pandemic, but at the same time, it resulted in economic losses.
Writer and economic researcher Ahmed Awad points out that the Defense Law was activated and implemented for health, economic, and legal reasons. Indeed, we already have specialized laws in these areas capable of regulating life. What we are currently experiencing is a revival of production and the economy, and we are now in a state of coexistence with the pandemic. Therefore, implementing the Defense Law and issuing orders and declarations is no longer necessary, and it is time to stop implementing it.