Jordanian King orders release of prisoners from recent protests

Protests erupt in Jordan after fuel prices increase King Abdullah II of Jordan has ordered his government to take relevant legal measures to release prisoners arrested by Jordanian authorities during recent demonstrations. The protests in the country followed governmental decisions to increase fuel prices, which majority were against.
Jordan’s information and culture minister, Samih el-Moaita said that the government will move forward to execute the orders issued by the King. Moaita said the government respects peaceful protests in accordance with the law and constitution as well as the rights of all Jordanian citizens - including freedom of expression. He stressed that such rights are the cornerstone to achieve the required political reform.
However, he criticised the attacks that targeted the public facilities, adding that such actions are crimes that have no relation with freedom of expression. Moaita pointed out that the authorities would release those people who had not committed any criminal violations against the citizens or facilities during the demonstrations.
Jordanian Prime Minister Abdalla Ensour added that the government would not be releasing 13 prisoners who were involved in criminal actions during the protests.
Ensour stressed that the state is committed to allow protests against policies adopted by the government. He stated that the government worked hard to keep restraint whilst dealing with the demonstrations that the country witnessed since the launch of the Arab spring.
Ensour raised the importance of existence of political parties, demanding these parties to bear their responsibility to develop the political life in the country. He stressed the need for the participation of the different political parties in the coming parliamentary elections, regardless of their position from the elections law.
He added that the government would work to ensure the fairness and integrity of the coming elections, adding that the independent authority of elections is authorised to manage and supervise the electoral process.