Detention of Jordan’s half-brother… ‘Coup prayer’ connection theory

Foreign media reported on the 4th (local time) that the king’s half-brother was implicated in a coup prayer and was put under house arrest.

According to Reuters and AP News, Jordanian military authorities confiscated and searched the residence of Prince Hamza bin Hussein in Amman, the capital city, on the 3rd and virtually detained him. Prince Hamza is the half-brother of King Abdullah II and has been a barbarian after he was deprived of the status of the royal priesthood in 2004.

On the same day, about 20 people, including former Treasury Minister Vashem Awadala and member of the royal family Sharif Hassan Ben Zaid, were also arrested for threatening national security. Former Finance Minister Awadala was the person who led Jordan’s economic reforms until he stepped down from the king’s secretary office in 2008.

In this regard, Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff Josef Huneiti said, “Prince Hamza has not been arrested,” and said, “No one can have an advantage over the law, and Jordan’s national security and stability are the top priority.”

Reuters, citing a former US official, explained, “It seems that they were planning a popular demonstration through the support of the tribes rather than a coup.”

Immediately after his arrest, Prince Hamza, in a video sent to the BBC Broadcasting, said, “I was warned (from military authorities) to stop some actions and activities aimed at national security and stability.” It was a message from the military authorities.”

However, he denied the idea of ​​a coup, saying that he “did not participate in any conspiracy.” However, to the Jordanian government, “It is not my fault that the government’s failure that lasted for 15 to 20 years. Jordan is losing hope and dignity for the future amid continuing threats.”

According to the British Financial Times (FT), Jordan is facing an economic crisis, such as the unemployment rate soaring as the tourism industry has been hit after the Corona 19 epidemic.

First of all, the United States and others are in a position to support King Abdullah. State Department spokesman Ned Price said, “We are keeping an eye on the reports and in contact with Jordanian officials. King Abdullah is a major ally of the United States and we fully support him.”

Jordan has maintained a pro-US-pro-Western route for a long time and has played a role in countering the Islamic extremist armed group IS. After the death of Hussein I in 1999, now Abdullah II has continued to reign for more than 20 years. The current heir to the throne is Prince Hussein, 26, the eldest son of King Abdullah.

Reporter Kim Hong-bum [email protected]