Amman:
Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi mentioned on Sunday that King Abdullah’s half-brother and former heir Prince Hamza had liaised with foreign parties more than a plot to destabilise the nation and had been below investigation for some time.
On Saturday the military mentioned it had issued a warning to the prince more than actions targeting “security and stability” in the important US ally. Prince Hamza later mentioned he was below property arrest. Several higher-profile figures had been also detained.
“The investigations had monitored interferences and communications with foreign parties over the right timing to destabilise Jordan,” Safadi mentioned.
These incorporated a foreign intelligence agency contacting Prince Hamza’s wife to organise a plane for the couple to leave Jordan, he mentioned.
“Initial investigations showed these activities and movements had reached a stage that directly affected the security and stability of the country, but his majesty decided it was best to talk directly to Prince Hamza, to deal with it within the family to prevent it from being exploited,” he mentioned.
The developments are probably to rock Jordan’s image as an island of stability in the turbulent Middle East. King Abdullah removed Prince Hamza from his position as heir to the throne in 2004, in a move that consolidated his energy.
Although he has been marginalised for years, Prince Hamza has angered the authorities by forging ties with disgruntled figures inside strong tribes.
These people today, members of loosely organised opposition groups recognized as Herak and a vocal opposition based abroad, have in current weeks referred to as for protests against corruption in a nation tough hit by the influence of COVID-19 on the economy, pushing unemployment to record levels and deepening poverty.
Earlier, Hamza’s mother Queen Noor, the widow of Jordan’s late king, defended her son.
“Praying that truth and justice will prevail for all the innocent victims of this wicked slander,” she wrote on Twitter. “God bless and keep them safe.”
Safadi mentioned the safety services have asked for these involved in the plot be referred to the state safety court.
Jordan’s neighbours and allies expressed solidarity with King Abdullah more than the safety measures in the kingdom, an vital ally of the United States.
Echoing statements of help by other allies and neighbours of Jordan, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI held a phone get in touch with with King Abdullah II in which he expressed solidarity and help for the country’s safety measures, Morocco’s royal palace mentioned on Sunday.
Some opposition figures have rallied about Prince Hamza in a move that has displeased the king, officials familiar with the scenario mentioned.
But most politicians think Prince Hamza will be silenced, with small prospect of him posing any threat provided that the army and safety forces who are backbone of help for the Hashemite dynasty are firmly behind the monarch.
“I think King Abdullah has confirmed himself in the saddle and his son Hussein has consolidated himself as the heir to the throne,” mentioned Jawad al Anani, who served as the final royal court chief below the late King Hussein. “This is a page turner event.”
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