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Ammon News - In a swift response to incidents following the announcement of high school diploma results (Tawjihi), the Public Prosecution of the Kingdom has charged 35 individuals across various regions with possession of unlicensed firearms and unnecessary firing of bullets.

The accused were detained following their arrests by security authorities.

This clampdown comes after celebratory gunfire erupted five days ago, marking the release of the general secondary school exam results. According to a judicial source speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), those arrested had allegedly endangered public safety by discharging firearms as part of the celebrations.

Legal provisions suggest that individuals found guilty of such acts may face imprisonment extending beyond a year, especially if any loss of life or injury results. Additionally, financial penalties can surpass JD1,000.

Anticipating such incidents, Judge Yusef Dhibat, the Chief Public Prosecutor, had issued directives just a day before the exam results, urging public prosecutors across the Kingdom to take stringent actions against those engaging in celebratory gunfire.

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining societal peace and security, Dhiabat stated that the Public Prosecution remains committed to ensuring public and private order, while preventing any potential harm to citizens.

The recent arrestees were transferred to the Public Prosecution after being apprehended by security forces last Wednesday. The Ministry of Education had announced the exam results that day, which unfortunately became the backdrop for the aforementioned violations.

Jordanian law underlines the severity of such offenses. Article 330 of the Penal Code mandates up to three months of imprisonment, a fine of JD1,000, or both for unauthorized firing of firearms or explosives. Meanwhile, Article 467 imposes penalties for actions that disrupt public peace, punishable by up to a month's imprisonment or a JD200 fine.

Highlighting the dangerous nature of the act, the legislation deems even the mere possession of an unlicensed firearm a serious crime, recognizing its potential threat even if no direct harm results.

The Kingdom's strict stance against celebratory gunfire stems from past incidents where stray bullets have tragically resulted in deaths or left individuals with debilitating injuries. The laws are in place to deter such actions and bring justice to those who flout them.