The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights In this regard, the Committee recalls its general comment No. 9 (1998) on the domestic application of the Covenant. Independence of the judiciary 7. The Committee is concerned about the establishment of the Supreme Council of Judicial Bodies and Authorities, as its control by the executive branch of Government significantly hampers the independence of the judicial system. 8. The Committee recommends that the State party take the measures necessary to prevent and sanction any abuse of the powers granted to the Supreme Council of Judicial Bodies and Authorities, taking into account relevant international standards, including the Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary. Civil society organizations 9. The Committee is concerned that Decree-Law No. (7) of 2021, amending the Charitable Associations and Civil Society Organizations Act (Act No. 1 of 2000), and Decree-Law No. (39) of 2022 on Anti-Money-Laundering and Terrorism Financing may unduly restrict the right to freedom of association and the funding and operations of civil society organizations. 10. The Committee recommends that the State party consider reviewing Decree-Law No. (7) of 2021, amending the Charitable Associations and Civil Society Organizations Act (Act No. 1 of 2000), and Decree-Law No. (39) of 2022 on Anti-Money-Laundering and Terrorism Financing with a view to removing unduly restrictive requirements regarding the funding and operations of civil society organizations, as also recommended by the Human Rights Committee.19 Human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers working on human rights 11. The Committee is concerned that certain provisions of the Jordanian Criminal Code of 1960, as incorporated by the State party, notably articles 144 (insulting a public official), 150 (inciting sectarian strife), 191 (slandering a public official) and 195 (insulting a higher authority), unduly criminalize expression in the State party and have reportedly been used to silence human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers working on human rights who voice critical or dissenting opinions of the State party’s activities and policies. 19 Ibid., para. 42 (a). 27