Newly elected MPs vow action after teen killed by festive firing

AMMAN — Newly elected MPs promised legislative amendments after a teenager was killed by festive firing during celebrations at a campaign’s headquarters on Saturday.

An 18-year-old girl was killed on Saturday evening after being struck by a “stray bullet” during a celebration at a newly elected deputy’s campaign headquarters in east Amman, police said.

Social media users circulated videos showing heavy shooting alleged to have been filmed at the event in Hai Tafaileh to celebrate the election of Yihya Saud (Amman, 2nd District).

Hai Tafaileh is home to many citizens originally from the southern Tafileh Governorate. 

At publication time, police were still investigating the incident and trying to “locate the weapon that fired the fatal bullet”.

Kheirallah Abu Seileek (Amman, 4th District) said charges in festive firing incidents that lead to death should be stiffened from manslaughter to murder, as death is an expected result from festive shooting.

"Those who shoot are reckless and careless about the safety of others around them," he told The Jordan Times on Sunday, citing the abundance of awareness campaigns which leave no room to overlook the consequences of such fatal habit.

He added that the celebration of his victory, which was attended by some 15,000 supporters, had strict rules regarding shooting. 

"I told my supporters at the beginning of the event that I will leave the celebration if they shoot, and they abided by my directions," Abu Seileek said. However, the lawmaker conceded that it was difficult to control large numbers of supporters, especially in a tribal community like Saud's, adding that it would make no sense to detain the deputy.

Ahmad Safadi (Amman, 3rd District) agreed with Abu Seileek on the need for stricter penalties against shooters, citing the issue as a "legislative priority".

"I am also against the use of firecrackers and hunting rifles in all occasions," he told The Jordan Times, adding that supporters of deputies usually start off their celebrations by using firecrackers then end up shooting recklessly.  

Last year, the Public Security Department launched a campaign to curb festive shooting, particularly during weddings, whereby administrative governors ordered the detention of grooms in a number of violating weddings.

Also, the police radio station Amen FM (89.5FM) has launched an initiative, “Do not kill me with your happiness”, aimed at highlighting the risks of festive firing.

For his part, Saud expressed “deep sorrow” over the death of his cousin during the celebration, in a statement issued on Saturday evening. 

The lawmaker condemned the “irresponsible” act, which he said occurred in spite of his repeated requests against festive shooting, adding that the incident turned the festive occasion into a “very sad and shocking” one.

In 2015, 35 people were arrested and 33 weapons were confiscated in festive firing cases, according to official figures released earlier this year.

The government has introduced stiffer penalties to curb festive shooting and started charging perpetrators with manslaughter and attempted murder.

Individuals convicted of causing death by festive firing can receive up to 20 years in prison, and in cases of multiple fatalities, the shooter can be sentenced to life in prison. 

Those convicted of causing an injury by festive firing face up to 10 years in prison.