Jordanians denounce killing of police officer

AMMAN — Jordanians have united in denouncing the killing of Colonel Abdelrazzaq Al Dalabeeh during riots in Maan on Friday and 

Protests began when truck drivers launched a strike last week over high fuel prices.

The Public Security Directorate (PSD) announced a temporary ban of the social media platform “TikTok” citing misuse of the application, and the app’s poor handling of posts inciting violence and disorder, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

The PSD added that two other police officers were shot and injured during the riots in Maan. 

Interior Minister Mazen Faraya said on Friday that the security services are working to arrest the perpetrator and bring them to justice as soon as possible, according to PSD’s Facebook page. 

Faraya added that the government has been handling the situation “wisely” since the beginning of the protests, and has held a number of consultative meetings to discuss the demands of truck owners.

“Lowering prices will have financial consequences that will be difficult to handle,” Faraya added.

Meanwhile, Jordanians denounced the acts of vandalism by outlaws and called for protesters to practise their right to self-expression peacefully within the law. 

“Freedom of expression is a vital part of our life. However, citizens must speak out peacefully for themselves,” Ali Masadeh, a Jordanian, told The Jordan Times. 

Masadeh added that Jordanians denounce acts of violence. However, the government should fully realise the “frustration” of Jordanians regarding economic conditions and fuel prices, he said.

Ahmad Nuimat, another citizen, said that freedom of expression and peaceful protest are rights safeguarded by the Constitution and the law. However, protesters should conduct peaceful protests. 

“Authorities are urged to acknowledge and address the needs of Jordanians,” Nuimat added. 

Jordanians are also calling for enhancing social justice, fostering peaceful freedom of expression and subsidising fuel costs which have added to the cost-of-living. 

Social media users also demand that the government create job opportunities for youth, improve public transport and health sectors and revisit the process of pricing fuel.