Protests continue in Jordan capital for 3rd week in row

By Laith al-Juneidi

AMMAN (AA) - For the third consecutive week, hundreds of Jordanians took to the streets of Amman to decry worsening economic conditions and demand the resignation of Prime Minister Omar al-Razzaz’s government.

Every Thursday for the last three weeks, protesters have converged on the government’s main headquarters in Amman to reiterate their demands.

Despite a heavy security presence in the area, no violence or clashes were reported on Thursday.

Protesters chanted slogans decrying Jordan’s steadily deteriorating economic conditions, criticizing the country's political class, and calling for mass demonstrations.

Last Thursday’s protest saw some violent incidents that left a number of people injured, including security personnel, while at least 17 demonstrators were arrested on charges of rioting.

Since November, when Jordan’s parliament passed a controversial IMF-backed tax law, activists on social media have been urging the public to stage demonstrations.