Jordanian security forces arrest prominent figures of royal family

Security forces of Jordan have arrested prominent figures of the royal family and warned Prince Hamzah bin Hussein to cease all activities that could threaten Jordan’s national stability.

According to the media reports, the officials put Prince Hamzah bin Hussein under house arrest as part of an ongoing investigation.

The security forces made the arrests for security reasons, however, Major General Yousef Huneiti, the army chief, said that Prince Hamza bin al-Hussein is not among those arrested. ‘He is just being investigated.’

As per media reports, Prince Hamzah said he was visited by the Jordanian army chief and told not to leave his house or communicate with people because there had been criticism of the government or King Abdullah at meetings at which Prince Hannah had been present, or on social media relating to visits he had made.

Media reports said that those who were arrested include Bassem Awadallah, a former finance minister and chief of staff to King Abdullah, and Sharif Hassan bin Zaid, a distant member of the royal family, Petra said. Awadallah has in recent years been an adviser to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Moreover, the regional allies were quick to express their support for King Abdullah, including Saudi Arabia.

Shortly after the arrests were made, the Saudi royal court released a statement reaffirming its utmost support to the decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah to maintain stability and security.