AMMAN (JT) – His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday stressed his rejection of the police attack against journalists that occurred during a protest at Al Nakheel Square in Amman Friday.
During a meeting with Jordan Press Association (JPA) President Tareq Momani, the King described the assault as “unjustifiable”.
A Royal Court statement quoted His Majesty as saying that the violence, carried out spontaneously by individual police officers, “does not represent the approach of the Public Security Department [PSD], which is a source of our pride for the huge role it plays in maintaining the country’s stability and security”.
At least 20 journalists were injured, five of whom were hospitalised, along with a dozen protesters. The PSD said 32 policemen were also hurt in the clashes.
The committee entrusted with investigating the attack released on Wednesday its report, blaming the PSD in its capacity as the institution responsible for the police officers involved. The committee, which comprised top PSD officers, also blamed protesters for not complying with police arrangements to protect them.
During the meeting, the King stressed his rejection of any practices or restrictions that impede the work of the press, emphasising the importance of their role in conveying information to citizens.
His Majesty King Abdullah meets with Jordan Press Association President Tareq Momani in Amman on Thursday (Photo by Yousef Allan)
Categories: Asia, Human Rights, Jordan