Jordanian journalist detained in the UAE

Jordanian journalist detained in the UAE
Authorities in the UAE detained the journalist in December at Abu Dhabi airport when he was preparing to fly home to Jordan.
1 min read
23 January, 2016
Tayseer Salman al-Najjar is a prominent writer on cultural affairs [Facebook]
A Jordanian journalist has been detained in the United Arab Emirates for more than a month after trying to leave Abu Dhabi international airport, said his family and Jordanian journalist associations.

Tayseer Salman al-Najjar is a prominent writer on cultural affairs. The reason for his detention remains unclear and his location remains unknown.

Emirati authorities and Najjar's employers have refused to answer questions about his arrest, according to Walid Hosni, from the Jordanian Writers Association.

Hosni has confirmed on Facebook that Najjar was arrested by Abu Dhabi police on 12 December trying to fly to the Jordanian capital Amman. He was given no reason for his detention and denied a phone call to his family.

Reportedly he was questioned about why he was in the country.

The UAE has been widely criticised by rights groups for passing laws hindering the right to free speech, and arresting activists for criticism on social media.

Along with Egypt and Saudi Arabia, it blocked public access to The New Arab website and its Arabic sister site al-Araby al-Jadeed earlier this month, in a move that came with no prior warning or explanation.