Police armed with batons have clashed with chanting demonstrators in Jordan. The unrest erupted on Friday in the capital, Amman, after hundreds of people took to the streets demanding government reforms. The French News Agency says nine people — most of them journalists — were injured after being beaten by police. In June, Jordan’s King […]
Jordan’s Information Minister Quits in Media Freedom Dispute
Posted June 21st, 2011 at 9:25 am (UTC-5)
Jordan’s information minister says he has resigned from his post because of proposed laws that restrict media freedoms in the country. Taher Edwan quit his post Tuesday ahead of a debate on a new press and publications draft law. He said the draft law is a setback to the government’s reform plan and restricts Jordanians’ […]
Attackers Raid French News Agency’s Jordan Office
Posted June 15th, 2011 at 5:05 pm (UTC-5)
Assailants armed with clubs stormed into the Jordan office of the French news agency late Wednesday, destroying furniture and equipment in a rare attack on the international media in the kingdom. Agence France Presse reporter Kamal Taha, who was on duty at the time, said 10 men broke into AFP’s reception area, but that he […]
Jordanian King Unharmed in Motorcade Incident
Posted June 13th, 2011 at 9:55 am (UTC-5)
In a nationally televised address, the king said a royal commission is now exploring “possible amendments” to the constitution. He did not elaborate on the reforms or give a timetable for implementation, saying sudden change could lead to chaos and unrest. King Abdullah is considered an important U.S. ally. He vowed a tougher fight against […]
Jordanian King Unharmed in Motorcade Attack
Posted June 13th, 2011 at 8:20 am (UTC-5)
The motorcade of Jordan’s King Abdullah was attacked on Monday but officials say the king was unharmed. The French news agency reported that students threw rocks and bottles at the king’s motorcade as he visited the southern city of Tafileh. Officials say the motorcade changed its route after the incident. The attack comes after Jordan’s […]
Jordan’s King Pledges Parliamentary Reform, Elected Cabinets
Posted June 12th, 2011 at 4:25 pm (UTC-5)
Jordan’s king says he is pursuing reforms that will allow future governments to be formed based on an elected parliamentary majority. The measure is a key demand of pro-democracy protesters calling for greater political representation. In a nationally televised address Sunday, King Abdullah II promised further changes. He said a royal commission is now exploring […]
Jordanians Rally for Government Reforms
Posted June 10th, 2011 at 12:50 pm (UTC-5)
Protesters have rallied in cities across Jordan, where some demonstrators called for government reforms while others called for the resignation of Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit and his cabinet. The demonstrators took to the streets after midday prayers on Friday, with some waving signs and anti-government slogans. The country’s state-run Petra news agency said at a […]
