Police, government supporters attack pro-reform protesters in Jordan

Police, government supporters attack pro-reform protesters in Jordan

2011-07-16 00:33:38 GMT+7 (ICT)

AMMAN (BNO NEWS) -- Security forces and government loyalists on Friday attacked a number of protestors and journalists during a pro-reform rally in the Jordanian capital., local media reported.

Ammon News reported that clashes erupted in downtown Amman when security forces tried to prevent protestors from marching towards the Greater Amman Municipality Square, and asked the pro-reform activists to protest inside Al Nakhil Square. The demonstration was launched following Friday midday prayer by a coalition of youth activists, also known as July 15.

Protestors chanted slogans and raised placards, calling for political and economic reforms and the resignation of Marouf Bakhit's government. They also demanded the trial of corrupt officials and stressed that they will continue protesting until they witness "real and tangible measures" to combat corruption.

Meanwhile, a pro-government mob attacked a number of journalists working for local and international news outlets. Many of them were wearing bright orange vests with clearly marked "PRESS" logos that were distributed by the Public Security Directorate (PSD), which asked journalists to wear them in an effort to distinguish them from protestors in case clashes erupted.

The head of Jordan's Press Association, Tareq Momani, called on journalists to remove the vests distributed by PSD and considered that they were a "trap."

According to reports, seven PSD personnel were also injured in the clashes, and two policemen were stabbed by unidentified assailants.

Earlier this month, Jordan's King Abdullah II issued a decree approving a cabinet reshuffle in Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit's government. This was the first reshuffle of the cabinet, which was formed in 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.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-07-16