BEIRUT (Dispatches) -- The family of Al Mayadeen journalist Muhammad Faraj has expressed growing concern over his health as Jordanian authorities continue to detain him without charge or legal clarification, the Lebanese news outlet reported.
In a statement, Faraj’s relatives said they were permitted their first visit on Thursday, nearly two weeks after his arrest. They described him as being in poor physical and mental condition, raising what they called “legitimate concerns” about his well-being. The family said the prolonged lack of contact and information had intensified their anxiety.
The statement thanked supporters who have shown solidarity and warned that holding Faraj without a clear legal explanation raises serious questions about the legality of his detention. The family called on Jordanian authorities to immediately clarify his legal status, guarantee his safety, and respect his basic legal rights.
According to his relatives, Faraj does not know where he is being held and has not been informed of any charges since his detention around two weeks ago. They said he denied committing any act that would justify his arrest, emphasizing that political expression and support for resistance to occupation should not be treated as crimes.
The family added that they initially handled the matter calmly out of respect for Jordanian state institutions, based on assurances that Faraj’s detention conditions were acceptable. However, the lack of transparency has since deepened their concerns.
Faraj’s detention has drawn regional and international criticism, particularly from press freedom advocates. The Arab National Congress described the arrest as “arbitrary” and called for his immediate release. Jordanian political and cultural organizations have also condemned the detention, calling it a violation of public freedoms and journalists’ rights.
The Committee to Protect Journalists urged Jordanian authorities to clarify the legal grounds for Faraj’s detention, disclose his location, and allow access to his family and legal counsel. Al Mayadeen has reiterated its demand for Faraj’s immediate release and full disclosure of his legal and health status.
The case comes amid broader scrutiny of Jordan’s handling of pro-Palestinian expression, following reports of widespread detentions of activists and journalists earlier this year.