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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Pro-reform protesters took to the streets in a number of governorates in Jordan and the capital Amman blasting the government for cracking down on public freedoms and arresting activists.

TAFILEH

In the southern governorate of Tafileh, protesters marched from Al Tafileh Grand Mosque to the governorate hall calling for political reforms and the release of political detainees.

Several of the 17 pro-reform activists detained in a wave of arrests that took place in the past two weeks are residents of Tafileh and it's neighborhood, Hay Al Tafaileh, in Amman.

A coalition of youth and populist pro-reform movements announced holding a protest Saturday evening in front of Al Jweideh Prison, where a number of the activists are being detained, to demand their release.

Jordan's military tribunal, the State Security Court (SSC) earlier this week charged the activists with unlawful assembly and sedition, accusing them of instigating for toppling the Jordanian regime and the constitution.

KARAK

In the southern governorate of Karak, three pro-reform protests launched following Friday midday prayers, calling for tangible reform and combating corruption, accusing the government of crippling the political reform process.

Protesters in Karak blasted the government's crackdown on public freedoms, freedom of expression and freedom of the press. They also called for an electoral law that "truly meets the aspirations of the people," expressing that the current elections law does not live up to the political reform level promised by the regime.

Another counter-protest was organized by self-proclaimed loyalists in Karak, expressing loyalty and belonging to the nation and the Hashemite regime.

MA'AN

Meanwhile in Ma'an, a coalition of Youth for Reform and Change staged a protest in coordination with the Muslim Brotherhood's Ma'an branch calling for genuine reforms and combating corruption.

Protesters marched from the Ma'an Grand Mosque to the city center, where activists gave speeches also denouncing offenses to Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

Speakers blasted the United States and the West for allowing for offensive material against Islam and Muslims, raising a large placard describing America as a "Cemetery of Moral."

Protesters burnt American and Israeli flags and called for the closing the US Embassy in Amman, expelling its ambassador, and boycotting American products.

Speakers also criticized the Jordanian state for "not doing enough to defend the Prophet," noting that Jordan's reaction did not live up to the level of confronting such offenses. They also blasted Arab rulers for not defending Islam and Muslims.


* Photo from a protest on Friday in southern governorate of Karak