Gov't has 'zero tolerance' for law violations, attempts to tarnish state prestige — Razzaz

AMMAN — Prime Minister Omar Razzaz on Wednesday described the violations at the Al al-Bayt University (AABU) and Al Faisaliah School as "dangerous and offensive" to the Jordanian society and values.

The premier's remarks came during a Cabinet meeting which he chaired, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Razzaz stressed that the government will not allow such violations under the rule of law, adding: "We have zero tolerance for any party or individual, attempting to undermine the sanctity of our institutions and the reputation of our country".

"Those thinking they can tarnish the prestige of our universities, schools without being held accountable are absolutely mistaken", Razzaz said.

Razzaz said that the government will take strict action against any attempt to tarnish the prestige of the educational institutions.

Stressing his government's commitment to freedoms, Razzaz underlined that the freedom of persons is protected by the Constitution and ends when infringing on the freedom of others, the public interests and institutions. 

The Council of Ministers was briefed by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Adel Tweisi and Minister of Education Azmi Mahafzah on the violations committed at the Al al-Bayt University in Mafraq Governorate and Al Faisaliah School in Madaba, according to Petra.  

Upon hearing that the university President Dia-Eddin Arafeh’s term might be renewed, around 20 to 25 employees on Monday stormed the president’s office demanding his resignation, according to Reem Zoubi, director of the media affairs department at AABU and head of the university radio station.

The employees who attacked the AABU president’s office have been suspended from work and referred to an internal committee for investigation, an official university source.

In a video that went viral on social media networks, the employees were seen surrounding the president at his office and forcing him to leave while shouting “get out… get out”.

Videotaped scenes of group violence happening in a public high school for males in Madaba Governorate have generated anger and harsh criticism among citizens, who called for “immediate and serious” actions.

Published on several social media platforms, the video, which was reportedly recorded by students, captured schoolboys destroying the classrooms’ facilities and attacking the new school principal’s car.