AMMAN – The prosecutor general in Jordan’s capital here today banned the publication of any information on an alleged plot said to involve the king’s half-brother, Prince Hamzah, reported state television.
“In order to keep the security services’ investigation into Prince Hamzah and the others secret, (it is decided) to ban the publication of anything related to this inquiry at this stage,” said prosecutor Hassan al-Abdallat in a statement.
“The ban on publication involves all audio-visual media and social networks, as well as the publication of all images or video clips relating to this subject on pain of legal action.”
The order comes after Hamzah, who has been highly critical of the government, on Monday pledged loyalty to King Abdullah II, two days after being placed under house arrest.
The government has accused Hamzah, a former crown prince, of a “wicked” plot and involvement in a seditious conspiracy to “destabilise the kingdom’s security”.
Hamzah – who said he was placed under house arrest, while at least 16 others were arrested – on Monday struck a defiant tone, insisting he would not obey orders restricting his movement.
But in an apparent easing of tensions, the 41-year-old later pledged his backing to the king.
“I will remain... faithful to the legacy of my ancestors, walking on their path, loyal to their path and their message, and to His Majesty,” he said in a signed letter quoted by the palace.
“I will always be ready to help and support His Majesty and the crown prince.”
Hamzah, whom Abdullah stripped of the title of crown prince in 2004, has emerged as a vocal critic, accusing Jordan’s leadership of corruption, nepotism and authoritarian rule.
In a video he sent to the BBC on Saturday, he lashed out at the “incompetence that has been prevalent in our governing structure for the last 15 to 20 years, and has been getting worse”.
“No one is able to speak or express an opinion on anything without being bullied, arrested, harassed and threatened.” – AFP, April 6, 2021
