Jordan freaks out over Dutch diplomat's minor rebuke of press freedoms in the kingdom

The Dutch ambassador to Jordan tweeted, "Pleasure meeting HE Minister of Media AlShubol. An opportunity to discuss issues of common concern, including the media scene in Jordan. Stressed our strong bilateral relationship, and I shared our concerns on Jordan’s declining international ranking on freedom of speech. Netherlands ready for cooperation."

Jordan ranks 129th out of 180 nations in press freedom, and as I have noted often, even though it has control over the media it allows virulently antisemitic material to be published daily. 

Jordan and Jordanians are very unhappy at this very mild rebuke.

Jordan's government has criticised the Dutch ambassador to Amman after he made comments about media freedom in the kingdom.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said that Harry Verweij had weighed into domestic affairs during a courtesy meeting with a senior official.

His comments included the licensing of a local radio station and who ran it, according to the ministry, which did not elaborate further.

The ambassador's actions were “incomprehensible” according to a statement.

"Jordan is always open to frank dialogue that approaches all issues with all partners and friendly countries through diplomatic channels and direct contact, in accordance with diplomatic norms, but that it does not accept interference in its internal affairs," a statement on the Petra news agency said.

The responses on Twitter are no less strident:

I reject any interference by you in Jordan's internal affairs.

You must respect your position and shut your mouth Our internal affairs are none of your business.

This is a blatant interference in the affairs of our country and we do not allow you. You have to respect the sovereignty of this country. And not to interfere in his affairs

I advise you to go back to Holland, you need to collect a lot of firewood this winter because of the Russian war. This is none of your business.

Unacceptable intervention in our country's  business. Read your job description again and stick to it..

Our freedom of speech is our concern, and its not yours whatsoever.

No State or group of States has the right to intervene or interfere in any form or for any reason whatsoever in the internal and external affairs of others..

I wonder if this robust defense of Jordan from criticism and outside interference applies to Israel too?

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