Jordanian Forces Attack Anti-Regime Protesters, Arrest Activists

Anti-riot forces on Saturday attacked protesters that had gathered outside the prime minister's residence, calling for a change of government. They were also demanding the release of six pro-democracy activists arrested in March, the DPA reported.

Their chants against the government soon turned into slogans critical of the US-backed monarch, King Abdullah II. Anti-riot forces then started to crack down on the sit-in protest rally.

Eyewitnesses said the protesters also warned that Jordanians would “topple the regime" if its "injustices against the people" continue.

Authorities said they arrested more than two dozen people for taking part in what they described as unlawful and disorderly gathering.

Activists put the number of arrests at 35 and insisted that they were detained for criticizing despotic King Abdullah II, a move that amounts to a serious charge in the country, potentially leading to as many as three years behind bars.

Meanwhile on Saturday, Amnesty International called for the “immediate and unconditional”? release of the six political activists that were charged with “insulting”? the Jordanian king.

“Amnesty International believes them to be prisoners of conscience held solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression and that they are being punished for their pro-reform views and peaceful activities,”? the UK-based rights organization said in a statement on Saturday.

Jordanians have, since January 2011, been holding street protests demanding political reforms, including the election of the prime minister by popular vote and an end to corruption.

Since the beginning of the rallies, the Jordanian king has sacked two successive prime ministers in a bid to avoid more demonstrations.

The king has also amended 42 articles of the 60-year-old constitution, ostensibly granting the parliament a more assertive role in the country’s decision-making.

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Source: IRIB News Agency

Anti-riot forces on Saturday attacked protesters that had gathered outside the prime minister's residence, calling for a change of government. They were also demanding the release of six pro-democracy activists arrested in March, the DPA reported. Their chants against the government soon turned into slogans critical of the US-backed monarch, King Abdullah II. Anti-riot forces then started to crack down on the sit-in protest rally. Eyewitnesses said the protesters also warned that Jordanians would “topple the regime" if its "injustices against the people" continue. Authorities said they arrested more than two dozen people for taking part in what they described as unlawful and disorderly gathering. Activists put the number of arrests at 35 and insisted that they were detained for criticizing despotic King Abdullah II, a move that amounts to a serious charge in the country, potentially leading to as many as three years behind bars. Meanwhile on Saturday, Amnesty International called for the “immediate and unconditional”? release of the six political activists that were charged with “insulting”? the Jordanian king. “Amnesty International believes them to be prisoners of conscience held solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression and that they are being punished for their pro-reform views and peaceful activities,”? the UK-based rights organization said in a statement on Saturday. Jordanians have, since January 2011, been holding street protests demanding political reforms, including the election of the prime minister by popular vote and an end to corruption. Since the beginning of the rallies, the Jordanian king has sacked two successive prime ministers in a bid to avoid more demonstrations. The king has also amended 42 articles of the 60-year-old constitution, ostensibly granting the parliament a more assertive role in the country’s decision-making. The End Source: IRIB News Agency