Engineers association protests trial of its members for ‘resisting occupation’

AMMAN — The Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) on Saturday organised a demonstration in solidarity with detainees who it says are charged with “supporting the military resistance against Israel”.

Mohammad Abu Khudeir, father of detainees Anas and Ahmad, delivered a speech on behalf of the families of the detainees, and expressed his sorrow over the State Security Court’s proceedings in what is known as the “Hamas case”.

“We hope that the court panel’s decision will be just,” Abu Khudeir said, expressing optimism that the tribunal will find the defendants, who include JEA members and others, not guilty. 

A verdict in the case is expected on June 23, he added.

The prisoners face four charges of manufacturing explosives for illegal use; committing acts that disturb public order and threaten the security of society; recruiting young people to join armed groups (Hamas); and joining armed groups (Hamas), according to previous remarks by their lawyer, Hikmat Rawashdeh.

Around 40 people participated in the protest, which was held at the Professional Associations Complex in Shmeisani.

JEA President Majid Tabba called on the government to release the detainees “immediately”, and to direct its attention to “more important cases”, such as the murder of judge Raed Zuaiter “who was killed in cold blood and people have not heard about any updates on his case”.

Zuaiter, a Jordanian judge, was shot dead by Israeli soldiers at the King Hussein Bridge on March 10, 2014, he was travelling to the West Bank.