More than 40 people have been arrested in Jordan following protests, some of them violent, against sharply rising fuel prices. Kingdom security authorities said yesterday that the 44 protesters arrested in different regions of the country will be brought to justice. A policeman was shot dead during demonstrations in the southern province of Maan on Friday.
The investigation into the murder “will continue until the perpetrator is arrested and brought to justice,” Jordan’s Directorate of Public Security said. King Abdullah II had already declared on Thursday that “anyone who uses a weapon against the state” will receive a harsh answer.
Fuel prices almost doubled
In several provinces in southern Jordan, first truck drivers, then taxi drivers and shopkeepers, have taken to the streets in recent days to protest against the huge increase in fuel prices. Young people also joined the protests in several cities.
In particular, diesel and heating oil prices almost doubled in Jordan compared to the previous year. At the same time, many accuse the royal family and officials of corruption and nepotism.
Protesters partially blocked the streets with burning tires, there were violent clashes with security forces. The Amman government has now announced relief measures to provide financial support to the most affected families.