Jordan arrests top officials in security clampdown

Gulf Today Report

Jordanian security forces have arrested top officials and others on "security related" grounds, according to Petra news agency.

Foreign-educated Basem Ibrahim Awadallah, a long-time confidant of the king who later became minister of finance, and Sharif Hassan Bin Zaid, a member of the royal family were detained along with other unnamed figures, Petra said.

According to the source, the arrest was made after close security follow-up and was executed "for security reasons".

On the other hand, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti on Saturday denied claims about the arrest of Prince Hamza Bin Al-Hussein and said the Prince was asked to stop "movements and activities that are used to target" the security and stability of Jordan, adding that the move is part of joint comprehensive investigations undertaken by security agencies, and as a result of which Sharif Hassan Bin Zaid, Basem Ibrahim Awadallah and others have been arrested.

Jordanian security forces take part in a training exercise.

The army chief indicated that the investigations are ongoing and their results will be announced with full transparency and clarity.

He stressed that all the measures taken were carried out according to the law and after extensive investigations that prompted them.

He also emphasised that "no one is above the law and that Jordan’s security and stability take precedence over any consideration."
The source added that an investigation is underway.