Jordan: security services probe into Prince Hamzah ‘coup’

Jordan’s state security services have started a probe into the alleged “coup” which is said to have involved Prince Hamzah Bin Hussein. The incident has been referred to the Public Prosecutor at the State Security Court, Anadolu has reported.

Citing reports in the local Al Dostour and Al Ghad newspapers, Anadolu described the “coup” as a “failed attempt to destabilise security in the country.” There are said to be up to sixteen suspects.

The Jordanian newspapers gave no further details about the case or the people detained pending the completion of the investigations. Earlier reports suggested that they included very senior former officials in the Hashemite Kingdom.

According to state TV, Prince Hamzah himself is to be dealt with within the royal family, so he will be spared normal trial procedures.

On 4 April, the authorities in Jordan announced that the initial investigations found that Prince Hamzah, 41, had coordinated with foreign bodies to “destabilise security in the country, and incite the citizens against the state.” The former crown prince has denied the allegations.

A report in the Times in London said that “action had been taken to avert an unspecified plot against the state,” but that “little evidence has been presented.” Indeed, “[The] families and lawyers of those [under investigation] are saying that it is rather they that have been the victims of the ‘coup’.”

Jordan: Prince coordinated botched coup attempt with former official