Jordanian protesters demand constitutional reform

[News_Editor]

Jordanian protesters demand constitutional reform

2011-07-30 02:46:55 GMT+7 (ICT)

AMMAN (BNO NEWS) -- Thousands of people on Friday took to the streets across Jordan to demand constitutional reform and vowed to continue demonstrating until they witness genuine measures to combat corruption.

Ammon News reported that nearly 4,000 pro-reform demonstrators participated in the rally dubbed "Oath Friday" in downtown Amman following midday prayers. The protesters took an oath in which the movement pledged "to remain the voice of the oppressed and those who are deprived of their freedom."

Protesters condemned the endemic and rampant corruption in the country, while many chanted slogans such as "The people want to reform the state" and "The people want justice and freedom." They also demanded public freedoms and rejected any attempt to restrict the media and mislead people through government propaganda.

A number of Islamist leaders and representatives of youth and political opposition movements called for reform in their speeches during the rally and denounced the recent attacks on journalists.

At least 10 journalists were injured on July 15 when policemen tried to disperse protesters in a demonstration organized by a coalition of youth activists. Several cameras were also destroyed or confiscated as journalists covered the pro-reform demonstration in downtown Amman.

Jordanian protesters have been demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit's government for its failure to carry out political reforms. They are also demanding the trial of corrupt officials and have stressed that they will continue protesting until they witness "real and tangible measures" to combat corruption.

Earlier this month, Jordan's King Abdullah II issued a decree approving a cabinet reshuffle in 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.

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