The U.S. State Department has raised concerns with Jordan about the possible mistreatment of a former top official imprisoned for sedition in an alleged plot against the Western-allied monarchy involving the half-brother of King Abdullah II.
Representatives for Bassem Awadallah, who is a U.S. citizen, have said the trial lacked due process and alleged his client has endured inhumane conditions, including beatings, torture and solitary confinement. Jordan rejects the charges.
A State Department official confirmed the U.S. Embassy in Amman on Aug. 9 “expressed concerns to the government of Jordan over allegations of mistreatment and the denial of family visits.”
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity under department guidelines, said that Jordan denied the allegations. “The embassy will continue to provide all appropriate consulate assistance to Mr. Awadallah in line with our commitment to assisting U.S. citizens abroad,” the official said.
The official also said Awadallah has been allowed to receive six visits by U.S. consular officials.
The U.S. considers Jordan a key ally and source of stability in the turbulent Middle East and rarely expresses criticism of the kingdom in public.
Awadallah, who once served as a top adviser to the king, and Sharif Hassan bin Zaid, a member of the royal family, were found guilty of sedition and incitement last month and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
They are alleged to have conspired with Prince Hamzah, the king’s half-brother, and to have sought foreign assistance.
The convictions took place following a closed trial that lasted just six sessions in a military court.
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