Jordanians rally for political reform, against corruption

The Daily Star, April 19, 2013

People, rallied by the Islamist opposition, hold placards and national flags
 during a march to demand political reform and an end to corruption on April 19,
2013 in the Jordanian capital Amman. AFP PHOTO KHALIL MAZRAAWI

                             

AMMAN: More than 3,000 people marched in Amman on Friday, rallied by the Islamist opposition, to demand political reform and an end to corruption, an AFP correspondent reported.

The peaceful demonstration, under the slogan: "Stop joking around," began at the Husseini Mosque in centre of the capital.

People shouted: "Corruption: the revolution is turning, and your turn has come!" Another cry was: "Listen, regime, Jordanians reject injustice!"

Other peaceful gatherings in the cities of Irbid, Al-Karak and Al-Talifa.

Last week, security forces used tear gas to break up demonstrations of pro- and anti-government rivals in Irbid, causing some minor injuries.

Jordanians have held Arab Spring-inspired protests since 2011, demanding sweeping political and economic change as well as a tough anti-corruption fight.

On March 30, King Abdullah II swore in a new cabinet led by reformist Prime Minister Abdullah Nsur, but it failed to satisfy opposition Islamists.