Jordan releases 16 people detained over destabilisation plot

Jordanian authorities on Thursday released 16 people detained over their involvement in an alleged plot to destabilise the country that caused a rare public split within the royal family.

Eighteen people, including high-profile figures, were arrested nearly three weeks ago as authorities said they were involved in activities aimed at targeting the kingdom’s stability and security.

State Security Prosecution released 16 of them, the official Petra news agency reported.

The move came soon after King Abdullah II urged concerned authorities to “follow the proper legal mechanism so that those who were misled or made mistakes and followed the sedition attempt, can return to their families soon.”

Abdullah’s call came after tribesmen from several provinces signed a petition invoking “the Hashemite values of tolerance and forgiveness” and presented it to him during a meeting at the palace in Amman, the royal court said in a statement.

On April 3, authorities carried out a series of arrests.

The government said King Abdullah’s half-brother and former crown prince Hamzah was involved in the plot.

Hamzah said he was banned from leaving his house or communicating with people after the military chief asked him to refrain from social gatherings where people voice criticism of the government or the king.

Abdullah said Hamzah will be dealt with “within the framework of the Hashemite family,” which meant he was not referred to investigation.

Days later, Hamzah later pledged loyalty to the king after mediation by their uncle, Prince Hassan, and Abdullah declared that the sedition attempt was stopped.