Jordanian Public Prosecutor charges ex-MP

Jordan’s Public Prosecutor, Uqla Abu Zaid has charged former MP Yahia al-Seoud of a number of crimes including withholding electoral ID cards, insulting an official agency and violating the law of general assembly, after questioning the former member of Jordan’s House of Representatives today. Al-Seoud has denied all charges, also saying that the Independent Election Commission [IEC] should “pursue those who buy and sell electoral ID cards instead of questioning him.” Al-Seoud added that “citizens” had voluntarily given their ID cards with him, explaining that the cards found in his possession belonged to his “friends and family” and indicated the support of a “large electoral base.” The former member of Jordan’s House of Representatives also called on Jordan’s judiciary to adhere to its “integrity and fairness” and “avoid becoming politicised.” Al-Seoud said he had been in possession of 9,000 cards whose owners had asked him to keep and burn in the event of the government raising prices again. He vehemently denied coercing anyone to hand over their card or forcibly seizing it. The IEC had asked the Public Prosecution to pursue al-Seoud for electoral infringements relating to withholding electoral cards. The embattled politicians denied in statement to the Amman News Agency. The controversial politician had displayed electoral cards in a press conference, prompting the IEC to accuse him of violating electoral law and jeopardising the soundness of the elections.