Jordanian protesters demand political, economic reforms

[News_Editor]

Jordanian protesters demand political, economic reforms

2011-05-21 01:53:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

AMMAN, JORDAN (BNO NEWS) -- Hundreds of Jordanians on Friday took to the streets in Amman to protest against government corruption and called for genuine political and economic reforms, Ammon News reported.

Over 1,500 protesters marched amidst heavy security presence to the Interior Ministry Circle, but were blocked from reaching it. They chanted slogans against corruption and called for freedom, reform, and change.

The demonstration was organized by political opposition parties, the Muslim Brotherhood and the Jordanian Professional Associations. Muslim Brotherhood leader Zaki Bani Ersheid criticized the government for the widespread economic and political corruption in the country.

Other several major protests also took place throughout Jordan, calling for reforms and accusing the government of "slacking" in implementing reform measures.

An activist in the March 24th Youth Movement, Abdul Rahman Hassanain, said that the movement is preparing for a major demonstration that would surpass the sit-in two months ago at the Interior Ministry Circle. Two protesters were killed and over 100 were injured in March when Jordanian security forces intervened to end a clash between pro-monarchy and pro-reform protesters.

According to Ammon News, security forces used tear gas, water cannons, and metal batons to disperse protesters. Another group of demonstrators, describing themselves as "loyalists," chanted slogans in support of King Abdullah II and hurled rocks at the protesters, causing many injuries.

Sixteen members of the newly established National Dialogue Committee announced their resignation in protest of the violent attacks on peaceful protesters.

Jordan's King Abdullah II approved a new 27-member cabinet early February after protesters called for the resignation of then-current prime minister Samir Rifai and his government. The previous government was blamed for price hikes, excessive taxation, unemployment, and difficult economic conditions.

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