Prince Hamza had denied being part of any conspiracy in a video message released in April. This is a rare public case of discord within the ruling monarchy in Jordan.
Two men found guilty of conspiracy against the Jordanian monarchy have been jailed for 15 years (AFP)
A Jordanian court has sentenced two former officials to 15 years in prison for a conspiracy involving the half-brother of King Abdullah II against the country’s monarchy. An army judge, Lieutenant Colonel Muwafaq al-Masaid, a top aide to King Abdullah II and Bassem Avdallah, who holds US citizenship, and Sharif Hassan bin Zaid, a member of the royal family, has been convicted of treason.Treason) and found guilty of abetment.
Both were sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment. Avdallah and Sharif were found guilty of conspiring with the Shah’s half-brother Prince Hamza and seeking foreign aid. The verdict was pronounced on Monday after a closed-door hearing. Sharif’s lawyer, Ala al-Khasawaneh, denied the allegations, saying he would challenge the verdict.
Hamza denies conspiracy charges
He declined to comment further on this. Both these men were arrested in April and Hamza was placed under house arrest. This is a rare public case of discord within the ruling monarchy in Jordan. Hamza had denied being part of any conspiracy in a video message released in April. He had said that he was being silenced for speaking out against the corruption and inefficiency of power. This dramatic development involving the royal family exposed the deep-rooted economic and social challenges in the country. The royal family said it had settled the dispute with Hamza.
Avdallah told danger to life
Hamza’s exact status is not known, but he has never been formally charged. Avdallah’s US lawyer said his client alleged that he was tortured in custody in Jordan and that his life was in danger. Abdullah will visit Washington on July 19. He will be the first Arab leader to meet US President Joe Biden at the White House. Jordan is a close ally of the US in West Asia.
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