Tobacco case trial delayed after a defendant hospitalised

AMMAN — The State Security Court (SSC) on Tuesday adjourned the first session of the so called “tobacco case” until March 12, after a defendant was admitted to a hospital.

SSC President Military Judge Col. Mohammad Afif decided to postpone the session, which was scheduled for today, after one of defendants was admitted to hospital and is expected to undergo surgery, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

SSC Attorney General Hazem Majali recently signed the indictment against 29 suspects and 15 companies involved in the tobacco case.

The list of charges included acts that threaten public safety and security, and would change the country’s economic state or endanger society’s basic conditions, along with sales tax and customs evasion.

In addition to the prime suspect, Jordanian businessman Awni Mutee, the former water minister Munir Owais, retired customs general director Wadah Hmoud, former adviser Wahb Awamleh, Customs Commissioners Lt. Gen. Salem Khasawneh and Lt. Gen. Wael Smadi, and free-zone official Islam Ghedan were detained after investigations. 

In addition to the previously mentioned charges, Oweis and Awamleh were charged with misdemeanour misuse of authority, and Hmoud, Khasawneh, Smadi and Ghitan were charged with receiving bribes for illegal acts. 

Awni Mutee is a Jordanian businessman who reportedly fled the country to Lebanon in July, one day before a raid on an alleged illegal tobacco manufacturing and smuggling factory. He was extradited from Turkey last December.