By: Tracy Sanders, Publisher
The Woodruff Times
A South Carolina journalist has been arrested in Jordan and is facing national security-related charges after allegedly reposting an article questioning U.S. financial aid to the country, according to reporting by Middle East Eye.
Ali Younes, a Jordanian-American investigative journalist from South Carolina and a former Al Jazeera journalist, was detained by Jordanian intelligence officers Aug. 17 after arriving at Queen Alia International Airport, Middle East Eye reported.
According to the news outlet, Younes was questioned and later ordered to appear before prosecutors in Amman. The case reportedly centers on his alleged reposting of an article published by The American Conservative that questioned continued U.S. financial assistance to Jordan.
Middle East Eye reported that authorities accused Younes of undermining Jordan’s national security. Prosecutors later added charges related to sedition and hate crimes, according to the report.
Younes has also reportedly been prohibited from leaving Jordan while the case moves forward.
The charges could carry a prison sentence of up to one year, Middle East Eye reported.
The case has drawn attention because the allegations stem from Younes allegedly sharing a published article on social media rather than writing the article himself.
The article questioned the amount of financial assistance the United States provides Jordan and whether American taxpayers should continue supporting that level of aid.
According to Middle East Eye, Jordan has received approximately $33.8 billion in U.S. assistance over the past 75 years.
Younes currently works as a correspondent for the U.S.-based investigative outlet Drop Site News. He previously worked for Al Jazeera and has covered national security, foreign affairs and Middle Eastern issues throughout his journalism career.
Drop Site News has called for the charges against Younes to be dismissed and for the travel restrictions against him to be lifted.
The organization has also urged the U.S. government to assist Younes as an American citizen.
The case raises broader questions about freedom of the press, social media speech and the treatment of American journalists overseas.
The Woodruff Times obtained information about Younes’ arrest and the charges against him from reporting published by Middle East Eye. The Woodruff Times has also independently confirmed that Younes is from South Carolina.
As the case proceeds, Younes remains subject to the travel restriction imposed by Jordanian authorities.
