Jordanian anti-government protesters rally in favor of reform

Jordan’s riot police stand guard during the protest in the capital Amman on March 24, 2012.

Sun Mar 25, 2012 2:3AM GMT

March 24, a pro-reform Jordanian youth group, has called for political change, trial of corrupt officials, and introduction of genuine constitutional amendments.

On Saturday, protesters from the group gathered at a key intersection near the Interior Ministry in the capital Amman -- the same place, where clashes a year ago between the youth group and government supporters left a man dead and 160 others injured.

About 2,500 armed policemen were deployed to the scene of the protest.

The rally came a day after more than 700 people demonstrated in the capital against, what they said was, ‘procrastination’ in the implementation of reform in the Arab nation.

“We expected to have some reforms after more than a year of demonstrations. But nothing happened until this moment,” former MP, Ali Dalein, told the protesters on Friday.

Jordanians have been holding street protests, demanding political reforms, including the election of the prime minister by popular vote, and an end to corruption since January 2011.

Since the beginning of the rallies, Jordanian ruler, King Abdullah II, has sacked two prime ministers in a bid to avoid more protest.

The king has also amended 42 articles of the 60-year-old constitution, giving the parliament a stronger role in decision-making.

HSH/MP/HN