Jordanian writer held over Facebook cartoon deemed 'offensive to Islam'

The cartoon depicts God in paradise, being treated as a servant by an Arab man, who is in bed with two women and asking for wine

Nahed Hattar posted the cartoon on his Facebook page (Getty)

A gag order has been placed on a Jordanian writer who was arrested for posting a cartoon deemed offensive to Islam.

Nahed Hatter turned himself in after the Jordanian Prime Minister, Hani Mulki, ordered an investigation into a cartoon Mr Hatter shared on Facebook.

The cartoon depicts God in paradise, being treated as a servant by an Arab man, who is in bed with two women and asking for wine.

Saed Hattar, a relative of the accused, said the cartoon was posted to illustrate the twisted religious views of Islamic State extremists and was deleted after the post received angry responses.

Media expert Khaled Qudah said sharing the cartoon violates Jordanian law.

“What Hattar republished is insulting and is not considered freedom of expression. He can be immediately detained for violating the law,” Mr Qudah told The Jordan Times.

The Amman prosecutor's office has banned further reporting on the incident, citing public safety concerns.