Jordanian state media say authorities plan to prosecute 12 Jordanians on suspicion of hate speech aimed at victims of the New Year's nightclub shooting attack in Turkey.

Two Jordanians were among the 39 people killed in the Istanbul shooting for which the Daesh terrorist group claimed responsibility.

The Jordan Times, quoting the official news agency Petra, said on Friday that 16 people were initially investigated for abusive online comments. It says the attorney general ordered 12 of the suspects to be detained for further investigation.

Government spokesman Mohammed Momani says the government is considering new legislation aimed at fighting hate speech.

Jordan is an overwhelmingly Muslim country. Large segments of the population adhere to conservative religious beliefs that prohibit visiting a nightclub, drinking alcohol or attending a New Year's celebration.