Jordan's ex-crown prince says under 'house arrest'

  • by Nick Cohen
  • in Industry
  • — Apr 5, 2021
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The widow of Jordan's late king today defended her son, former Crown Prince Hamza Bin Hussein, against allegations by the authorities that he carried out actions targeting "security and stability" in the kingdom.

Prince Hamza bin Hussein was formerly Crown Prince of Jordan.

In a video the BBC said it obtained from his lawyer, Prince Hamzah said several of his friends had been arrested, his security detail removed and his internet and phone lines cut.

The army denied Saturday that Prince Hamzah, who holds no official position, had been detained.

It is rare for Jordan, a United States ally with a reputation as a stable monarchy, to be involved in political instability.

Hamzah's mother, American-born Queen Noor, defended her son and the others, tweeting that she was "praying that truth and justice will prevail for all the innocent victims of this wicked slander". "God bless and keep them safe".

The UK also backed the king.

These close ties are reportedly the reason why the Israeli made a decision to help Hamzah's family following the investigation into the alleged coup.

State-run news agency Petra said among those arrested for "security reasons" were former close aide to the royal family Bassem Awadallah, chief of the royal court in 2007-08, and Sherif Hassan bin Zaid.

These included a foreign intelligence agency contacting Hamzah's wife to organise a plane for the couple to leave Jordan, he said.

Joint Chiefs of Staff head, Major General Yousef Huneiti said the prince had been "asked to stop some activities that could be used to shake the stability and security of Jordan".

Stability in Jordan and the status of the king has always been a matter of concern, particularly during the Trump administration, which gave unprecedented support to Israel and sought to isolate the Palestinians, including by slashing funding for Palestinian refugees. "There are members of this family who still love this country, who care for (its people) and will put them above all else".

Kuwait's foreign ministry expressed its support to all measures taken by King Abdullah and his crown prince to maintain the security and stability of Jordan, adding "the security and stability of the kingdom are that of Kuwait".

He said: "The investigations had monitored interferences and communications with foreign parties over the right timing to destabilise Jordan".

Regional powers including Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia have voiced support for King Abdullah in the wake of the operation. "The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a greatly valued partner for the UK", said James Cleverly, minister for Middle East and North Africa.

Deputy Prime Minister Tawfiq Krishan said on Sunday that the Jordanian government never "eliminated the opposition or excluded a political movement".

The oldest son of the late King Hussein and his favourite wife Queen Noor, Prince Hamzah is a graduate of the UK's Harrow School and the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst.

Hamzah is a popular person in Jordan, having strong ties to tribal leaders.

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