Jordan Cabinet Backs Axing of Law Allowing Rapists to Marry Victims

By Middle East Eye

24 April 17

Cabinet move would see abolition of law that allows rapists to escape jail if they marry their victims

he Jordanian government has approved a draft resolution scrapping a law that allows rapists to avoid prison by marrying their victims, after decades of campaigning by activists.

On Sunday, the cabinet repealed Article 308 of the Penal Code, in response to recommendations by a royal judiciary committee, according to state news agency, Petra.

The move will now have to be ratified by parliament.

Princess Basma, King Hussein’s sister, has urged increased debate around the issue, according to local media.

"It is the role of the media to build a unified stand against it and to raise the level of debate to make it a public opinion issue," she is reported to have said.

According to the Independent, between 2010 and 2013, 159 rapists avoided punishment by marrying their victims in Jordan.

This weekend, an installation was held on Beirut's Corniche, to protest against a similar law in Lebanon.