Brothers of Jordanian MP who ‘assaulted waiter’ released on bail

AMMAN — The brothers of a Jordanian MP who reportedly assaulted an Egyptian restaurant worker in Aqaba last week were released on bail on Thursday pending a settlement with the victim, a source told The Jordan Times. 

“The case will soon come to a close as an initial settlement was reached between the two parties and charges will be dropped early next week,” the source said.

The alleged assault was captured on video last Friday and went viral on social media, showing lawmaker Zeid Shawabkeh purportedly talking to an Egyptian worker, later identified as waiter Khaled Yamani, at Lebnani Snack restaurant in the port city. As he was speaking to the 36-year-old worker, his brother slapped the guest worker across the face.

The footage then shows the MP’s brother allegedly pushing Yamani to the ground and, with the help of two others, beating him up.

Mohammad Theeb Barakeh, the lawyer representing the victim and the fast-food restaurant, filed a lawsuit against the MP and the people accompanying him with an Aqaba court on charges of libel, slander and intimidation in addition to assault. 

The Jordan News Agency, Petra, quoted a source at the Ministry of Interior as saying on Monday “the Jordanian government does not allow anyone to be above the law regardless of the individual or his/her background”.