Source: Al Ghad

Last week, Jordanian MP Khalil Atieh called on authorities to include rapists in an amnesty law that was being debated in parliament.

In a statement made during the parliament session on Thursday, the official said

"Those convicted for violations mentioned in articles 292 and 302 which cover crimes including rape, kidnapping and the attempt of these actions - shouldn't they be included in the amnesty law?"

Atieh then explained that rapists should be pardoned if victims drop their personal rights in legal cases.

He also urged the kingdom's government to add "premeditated murder, freedom of expression crimes, residency violation crimes, and theft" to the amnesty law.

Atieh's statement was met with outrage both on and offline

Several parliamentarians condemned the MP's statement, as it seemed as though he was defending perpetrators of sexual violence. Some could be heard objecting to his request as he made his speech.

Over the weekend, a video of Atieh's speech was shared online, sparking anger among Jordanians and Arabs in general.

"Rapists and murderers are a threat to society"

"These are the people you elect for a plate of dessert or 10 liras. You left all the cases and problems that people are facing because of you and came calling for a 'right' that not even God would grant!! Rapists and murderers are a threat to society." 

"Where's the common sense in this, can you explain?"

"The worst thing I read at the end of this year"

"Some things just come naturally with common sense, manners, humanity, and religion. You don't need to research or discuss this. Nothing is worse than crimes that violate the sanctity and dignity of a human being or those that cause their death. This is truly bizarre, it's just shocking."

"What right do you have to call for this?"

"What chance are you talking about? A chance to allow them to repeat their crimes? What about the victims of such crimes?"

"I am paying taxes to pay people who defend rape?!!"

Amid the uproar, Atieh backtracked on his statement

Just hours after the backlash, Atieh backtracked on his statement. 

"I made the statement because I felt such a move would allow a person accused of such crimes a chance to repent and live a better life. I was also focusing on cases where defendants are accused of rape as a form of blackmail," he said.

The MP then said after consulting with people who are specialized in similar cases, he realized he had made a mistake.

"I was quick to make this statement, especially because this is a sensitive topic in our Muslim community and these are cases where Sharia Law must be applied. Therefore, I call on such cases to be judged based on Sharia," he added.