Arrests in Jordan: the authorities explain themselves
Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Aymane Safadi, here at a press conference in October 2020. AP - MUHAMMAD HAMED
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In the aftermath of a wave of arrests in Jordan, the Deputy Prime Minister held a press conference on Sunday, April 4.
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As announced, the Jordanian authorities this Sunday provided explanations for the
wave of arrests
carried out yesterday in the country.
Two personalities, Bassem Awadallah and Cherif Hassan ben Zaid, as well as 14 to 16 other people were arrested, said Deputy Prime Minister Aymane Safadi, also Minister of Foreign Affairs, at a press conference.
"
The security services have followed for a long time the activities and movements of Prince Hamza bin Hussein, Cherif Hassan bin Zaid and Bassem Awadallah and others aiming for the security and stability of the homeland,
" he said. -he says.
"
The investigations made it possible to monitor interventions and contacts with foreign parties aimed at destabilizing the security of Jordan,
" he added.
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Also to listen
: Suspicion of conspiracy in Jordan: "This is the first time that there is a show of force"
The case of Prince Hamza
According to him, the security services recommended to King Abdullah II to refer all those implicated before the State Security Court.
"
However, the king decided that a conversation should take place with Prince Hamza, in order to deal with the matter within the framework of the Hashemite family, to dissuade him from continuing his activities which (...) are exploited to alter the security of Jordan and Jordanians and which constitute a break with the traditions and values of the Hashemite family,
”said the Deputy Prime Minister.
But it turned out badly.
“
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with Prince Hamza on Saturday to convey this message and asked him to stop all movements and activities aimed at the security and stability of Jordan, but Hamza dealt with this request with a in a negative way without taking into consideration the interests of the country,
”continued Aymane Safadi, without specifying the fate that will be reserved for Prince Hamza.
The minister referred to communications between people in Hamza's circle and "
organs abroad
".
According to Aymane Safadi, "a
person with links to foreign security services has been in contact with Prince Hamza's wife and offered to provide her with a plane to leave Jordan for a foreign country
".
Very popular in Jordan, Prince Hamza has a stormy relationship with his half-brother, King Abdullah II, who in 2004 withdrew the title of crown prince from him.
In a video sent to the BBC, Prince Hamza claims to have been under house arrest and denies having taken part in a conspiracy.
On the contrary, he accuses the authorities of his country of "
corruption
" and "
incompetence
".
Support from Gulf countries
As soon as the wave of arrests was announced, Jordan's allies expressed their support for King Abdullah II.
Starting with the United States, which recalled that it was a “
key partner
”.
The Gulf countries have also joined forces, says our correspondent in Dubai,
Nicolas Keraudren
.
In a statement, the United Arab Emirates also stressed that “
Jordan's security and stability are an integral part of their own security
”.
Saudi Arabia has multiplied the reactions.
First in a tweet to express his “
total
support
(…) for the decisions and measures taken to safeguard the security and stability
” of the country.
A royal court adviser also posted photos of Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman on social media, all smiles alongside the Jordanian king.
“
No comment.
These images speak [for themselves],
”he added.
In this way, Riyadh cuts to the rumors of alleged interference in Jordanian internal affairs, analysts say.
Because among those arrested, some maintain privileged relations with MBS.
(
With
AFP)
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