Mohammad Faraj, Jordanian journalist residing in Lebanon, detained in Amman

BEIRUT — The detention of Jordanian journalist Mohammad Faraj, from the pan-Arab channel al-Mayadeen, by authorities in Jordan, has sparked significant reaction on social media.

His family has just released a statement specifying that they were able to meet with him for the first time in his place of detention, noting that he is “unfortunately not in good physical and mental health.”

An article published on al-Mayadeen's website about Faraj's detention states that he was arrested last Friday upon arrival at an airport in Jordan, where he had gone to spend the holidays with his wife, Rana Abi Jomaa, who is also a journalist at the same media outlet.

Faraj, who has lived in Lebanon for several years, is primarily an analyst and does not hide his opinions in favor of the "Resistance" in Lebanon and the Palestinians in Israeli-occupied territories, as well as his support for the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, in Israel, which triggered the Gaza war and the support front in Lebanon opened by Hezbollah, according to the same article.

His wife Rana remained silent in the first few days to prioritize his release but eventually raised the alarm, starting with al-Mayadeen.

The location of the journalist's detention remained secret for several days, the outlet added.

In a statement released by Rana Abi Jomaa on her Facebook page, Faraj's family says they “want to address this matter calmly and cooperate with the Jordanian authorities,” but regrets that “the journalist still does not know on what grounds he was arrested, nor what charges have been brought against him.”

“He does not know what could justify his arrest, especially since his national opinions in support of resistance against occupation cannot be considered charges,” the statement adds.

Faraj's family asserts that “his detention without any legal clarification casts doubt on the legal basis of such an arrest.” They are requesting that “the competent [Jordanian] authorities provide immediate clarification regarding his legal situation and ensure his physical and mental safety.”