Police detain 18 for blocking roads during Fourth Circle protest

AMMAN — The Public Security Department (PSD) on Saturday said that 18 people were detained for rallying illegally. 

PSD Spokesperson Col. Amer Sartawi said that detainees blocked the streets near Amman’s Shmeisani neighbourhood during their participation in Thursday’s protest near the Fourth Circle. 

Earlier on Saturday, Sartawi said some social media users misled the public by spreading old videos alleging they were shot on Thursday during protest on the Fourth Circle.

Sartawi called on people to verify any video before spreading it, adding that legal measures would be taken against users who mislead the public through social media platforms.

The source reaffirmed that the rumours, which concerned the Fourth Circle protest on Thursday, were false.

Only a few protesters tried to close the roads and the security forces handled them professionally and legally to preserve public facilities, Sartawi said.

He added that security personnel abided by the law despite provocative actions by some protesters, adding that force was only used to scatter some groups who had tried to close the roads. 

The PSD stressed that it is committed to safeguarding the constitutional right of free speech based on law, while it regretted the actions of some protesters who had abused security personnel. The PSD also expressed its sorrow for injuries sustained by security personnel and protesters. 

Around 2000 people participated in the protest on Thursday near the Fourth Circle, demanding constitutional reforms and the release of political detainees, including activists who participated in the demonstrations last Thursday and Friday.

Other demands ranged from dismantling Parliament to ousting the government as chants touched on public and foreign policy, calling to put an end to “excessive taxation” and issuing “ultimatums” on corruption.

Friction was intermittent as gendarmerie personnel had to use force at times to contain the protest from spilling into the main road before a group of demonstrators managed to break the siege.

A PSD statement on Thursday said five law enforcement personnel were injured in the protest.