19 arrested for alleged riots in Shafa Badran — police

AMMAN — Police on Thursday announced the arrest of nine suspects in connection with the alleged riots that occurred in Amman’s Shafa Badran neighbourhood earlier this week.

“We have arrested nine additional suspects in connection with the riotous acts that caused damage to houses and vehicles,” Police Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi told The Jordan Times.

On Wednesday, police announced the arrest of 10 additional suspects in connection with the riots that were sparked following a murder in the area.

“The 19 suspects were referred to the prosecution office for further questioning and indictment,” said Sartawi.

The victim was reportedly shot while in his vehicle at dawn on Saturday, September 17, in the Shafa Badran neighbourhood.

“Investigators were able to identify a suspect in the incident, and managed to arrest him few hours following the shooting,” Sartawi told The Jordan Times earlier in the week.

Initial investigations into the incident indicated that the alleged shooting occurred over an old feud between the suspect and the victim, Sartawi added.

“The suspect confessed to the shooting and investigators were able to retrieve a gun allegedly used in the incident,” the police official added.

News of the man’s death allegedly sparked riots in the area, with several houses and vehicles reportedly set on fire.

Police forces were dispatched to the neighbourhood to contain the situation, the official source added.

Videos of visible smoke plumes, ostensibly in Shafa Badran, went viral on social media.

The search is ongoing for additional suspects who were involved in the reported riots, according to a Public Security Directorate statement.