New defense order suspends debtors’ jail sentences

AMMAN — The government on Sunday announced a new defense order suspending the imprisonment of individuals convicted for defaulting on paying debts with a value less than JD100,000, citing the harsh economic conditions amplified by the spread of COVID-19.اضافة اعلان

Meanwhile, the Cabinet also decided to extend the current curfew and Friday lockdowns till May 15, according to Minister of State for Media Affairs Sakher Dudin.

During a press conference, Dudin said that Defense Orders 26 and 27, which stipulate the curfew, will remain effective.

The daily curfew hours will remain set between 6pm for establishments and 7pm for individuals up until 6am. The Friday 24-hour lockdown will also continue and sectors that are not allowed to operate are to remain closed as well.

Defense Order No. 28 issued by Prime Minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh, regarding the debt defaulting, allows for the continuation of litigation between plaintiffs and defendants, but in case of conviction, jail sentences will be suspended until the end of the year. In addition, anyone convicted will be banned from traveling.

These decisions, which enable both parties to reach a mutual agreement, remain open to extensions and adjustments by the Prime Minister, Dudin said at the presser.

He pointed out that the government is working on easing the situation for Jordanians and enhancing solidarity among members of the community after describing the situation as “worrying”.

The past two days have witnessed an unfortunate increase in both COVID-19 cases and death rates. Out of 43,615 tests conducted on Sunday, 16.47 percent were positive. Additionally, 7,183 new cases were confirmed and 82 deaths were announced.

Dudin also pointed out the heavy load on hospitals and ICU beds, with 82 percent of the beds in the central region being occupied.

He added that the government is “satisfied” with the results of the national vaccination campaign, in which a total of 37,000 doctors were vaccinated, 88,000 citizens have received two doses of the vaccine, and 287,000 citizens have received their first dose.

In this regard, the minister commended the level of “awareness Jordanians have shown recently in comparison to the time of the pandemic outbreak,” adding that 10 days ago, only 500,000 people were registered on the national vaccination platform, while the number increased Sunday to 839,000 people.

He announced that the vaccination campaign has formed 27 mobile teams to provide vaccinations for those who cannot reach designated centers nationwide.

The government also announced that by June, 3 million vaccine doses are expected to be available in Jordan.

According to Dudin, new mitigation measures are to be announced later this week. He also said that press conferences will be carried out twice or three times a week to provide official updates and help curb disinformation.

The government on Sunday announced a new defense order suspending the imprisonment of individuals convicted for defaulting on paying debts with a value less than JD100,000, citing the harsh economic conditions amplified by the spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet also decided to extend the current curfew and Friday lockdowns till May 15, according to Minister of State for Media Affairs Sakher Dudin.

During a press conference, Dudin said that Defense Orders 26 and 27, which stipulate the curfew, will remain effective.

The daily curfew hours will remain set between 6pm for establishments and 7pm for individuals up until 6am. The Friday 24-hour lockdown will also continue and sectors that are not allowed to operate are to remain closed as well.

Defense Order No. 28 issued by Prime Minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh, regarding the debt defaulting, allows for the continuation of litigation between plaintiffs and defendants, but in case of conviction, jail sentences will be suspended until the end of the year. In addition, anyone convicted will be banned from traveling.

These decisions, which enable both parties to reach a mutual agreement, remain open to extensions and adjustments by the Prime Minister, Dudin said at the presser.

He pointed out that the government is working on easing the situation for Jordanians and enhancing solidarity among members of the community after describing the situation as “worrying”.

The past two days have witnessed an unfortunate increase in both COVID-19 cases and death rates. Out of 43,615 tests conducted on Sunday, 16.47 percent were positive. Additionally, 7,183 new cases were confirmed and 82 deaths were announced.

Dudin also pointed out the heavy load on hospitals and ICU beds, with 82 percent of the beds in the central region being occupied.

He added that the government is “satisfied” with the results of the national vaccination campaign, in which a total of 37,000 doctors were vaccinated, 88,000 citizens have received two doses of the vaccine, and 287,000 citizens have received their first dose.

In this regard, the minister commended the level of “awareness Jordanians have shown recently in comparison to the time of the pandemic outbreak,” adding that 10 days ago, only 500,000 people were registered on the national vaccination platform, while the number increased Sunday to 839,000 people.

He announced that the vaccination campaign has formed 27 mobile teams to provide vaccinations for those who cannot reach designated centers nationwide.

The government also announced that by June, 3 million vaccine doses are expected to be available in Jordan.

According to Dudin, new mitigation measures are to be announced later this week. He also said that press conferences will be carried out twice or three times a week to provide official updates and help curb disinformation.