Jordan’s prime minister announced price hikes for gas and other fuel Tuesday, setting off demonstrations and calls for general strikes.Ammon News has the rundown:
Protesters blamed Jordan’s problems on King Abdullah II, who has the final say in all civic matters. They also demanded the resignation of the prime minister, a top aide of the king.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour’s announcement on state TV cited a need to offset $5 billion in state losses from a rising fuel bill.
The news sparked protests in the capital, Amman, and at least 12 other cities across Jordan.
“Revolution, revolution, it is a popular revolution,” chanted about 2,000 protesters in an impromptu demonstration at a main Amman square, housing the Interior Ministry and other vital government departments.
The protesters — affiliated with Muslim, Arab nationalist, Marxist, Communist and youth opposition groups — also targeted Abdullah in a rare public display against the monarch. Criticizing the king in public is forbidden in Jordan and is punishable by up to three years in jail.
* Protests erupt in various governorates throughout kingdom against government decision to lift subsidies on oil derivativesWouldn't it be great if a friendly neighbor of Jordan's would offer to help out with its fuel crisis to head off these violent protests that threaten the regime?
** Two policemen critically injured in town of Taibeh, Irbid, after unknown assailant fired gunshots during protest
*** Gendarmerie forces use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse rioters in Karak, Dhiban, and Salt
*** Protesters set gas station ablaze in Irbid
*** Protesters torch court building in Karak, Loot Civil Consumer Association market
*** Rioters set 3 police vehicles on fire in Tafileh, torch 6 govt vehicles in Salt
*** Looting of Central Market in Ma'an, Major Desert Highway blockaded
Oh, right.