Jordan Bans Media Coverage Of Royal Rift

Jordan on Tuesday banned all news outlets and social media users from publishing any content related to King Abdullah’s half-brother Prince Hamzah after the latter was accused of plotting to destabilise the country.

The ban on publication involves all audiovisual media and social networks, as well as the publication of all images or video clips relating to this subject on pain of legal action.

Prosecutor Hassan al-Abdallat said in a statement the move became necessary in order to keep the security services’ investigation into Prince Hamzah and the others secret.

The monarchy ruling Jordan declared it was settling the matter within the framework of the Hashemite family.

The government earlier accused Hamzah, a former crown prince who was sidelined as heir to the throne in 2004, of involvement in a conspiracy to “destabilise the kingdom’s security” and also arrested at least 16 people.

Prince Hamzah had on Saturday harshly criticised Jordan’s leaders from what he said was house arrest, but in a dramatic about-turn on Monday, pledged his loyalty to the royal family.

The palace released a signed statement in which the 41-year-old prince had changed his tone and pledged readiness to help and support His Majesty the King and his Crown Prince.