You are here

Home

Local

Local section

Cassation Court upholds over 4-year sentence for drug dealer

By - Dec 19,2024 - Last updated at Dec 19,2024

File photo

AMMAN — The Court of Cassation has upheld an August 2023 State Security Court (SSC) ruling, sentencing a drug dealer to over four years in prison after convicting him of possessing illegal narcotics in Amman in April of last year.

The court declared the defendant guilty of possessing over one kilogramme of Hashish while in the process of selling the illicit drugs to a buyer near the 7th Circle area on April 18.

The SSC handed the defendant five years in prison for the offence of possessing illegal narcotics and ordered him to pay JD5,000 in fines.

However, the court decided to reduce the fine to JD4,500 and the prison term to four years and six months in prison to give the defendant a second chance in life.

Court documents said the Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) learnt the defendant was in possession of illegal narcotics and placed him under surveillance.

“The AND agents arrested the defendant while in the process of selling the illicit drugs to a buyer in return for JD1,750 and arrested him,” court documents said.

Upon searching the defendant’s home, the law-enforcement agency officers found over 2,000 Captagon pills, an additional amount of Hashish and other illicit drugs that “the defendant confessed that he possessed to sell in the local market,” court papers added.

The defendant contested the SSC’s ruling through his lawyer, who argued that the court “did not provide solid evidence to implicate his client”.

Meanwhile, the SSC prosecution office asked the higher court to uphold the sentence and the fine imposed on the defendant.

The higher court maintained that the SSC had followed the proper procedures in issuing the sentence against the defendant.

“It was clear to the court that the defendant confessed willingly to possessing the illegal drugs to sell in the local market,” the higher court said.

The Court of Cassation judges were Yassin Abdullat, Nayef Samarat, Mohammad Khashashneh, Qassem Dughmi and Hammad Ghzawi.

 

King meets figures from capital on occasion of Silver Jubilee, says Amman is Jordan’s beating heart

His Majesty bestows Silver Jubilee Medal on individuals, institutions, in recognition of their contributions in service of Jordan

By - Dec 18,2024 - Last updated at Dec 18,2024

His Majesty King Abdullah, during a meeting on Wednesday with a number of local community leaders and figures from Amman at the Royal Hashemite Court, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, says the capital has a special place in the hearts of all Jordanians, combining history, tradition, and modernity (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday expressed pride in meeting with people in Amman, Jordan's beating heart and witness to the nation-building process.

During a meeting with a number of local community leaders and figures from Amman at the Royal Hashemite Court, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, His Majesty said Amman has a special place in the hearts of all Jordanians, combining history, tradition, and modernity, and is a symbol of peace and love, as well as one of the great capitals in the world, according to a Royal Court statement.

The King said any visitor can attest to Amman’s beauty, noting that the capital and all of Jordan’s governorates will continue to develop and prosper.

His Majesty expressed pride to be among people in Amman after his visits to all governorates on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee, adding that the love of Jordan will always unite Jordanians.

The King also expressed appreciation of Jordanians in all governorates, adding that for 25 years, developing Jordan, building on achievements, and serving the Jordanian people have been his priorities, and noted that Jordanians have accomplished so much, the statement said.

His Majesty said Jordanians will always be united in working towards Jordan’s progress, protecting it from north to south and east to west, and defending the nation's causes.

Speaking at the meeting, Amman Governor Yasser Adwan affirmed the pride of all Jordanians in the country's achievements, progress, and prosperity across various fields and sectors over the past 25 years, under the King’s leadership.

 

He said Jordan’s achievements have placed it among the ranks of advanced countries, and it is growing day by day, at the hands of its people and its established institutions, as they work to preserve and protect its resources and achievements.

Adwan praised the King's stance towards the people of Gaza, as well as His Majesty’s efforts to work towards regional stability, pointing to the religious and historical role of the Hashemites in defending the nation's causes.

Upon arrival at the meeting venue, the King was greeted by a group representing the diversity of Amman’s residents.

During the meeting, His Majesty bestowed the Silver Jubilee Medal on individuals and institutions in Amman, in recognition of their contributions in service of Jordan, especially the local community.

Heads of authorities and a number of senior officials attended the meeting.

Global partnership programme 'PROSPECTS' resumed phase two

By - Dec 18,2024 - Last updated at Dec 18,2024

Attendees of a ceremony to launch PROSPECTS read a brochure about the global partnership progarmme (Photo courtesy of Embassy of The Netherlands)

AMMAN — The Dutch Embassy has concluded the first phase of the $80 million PROSPECTS programme for 2019 to 2023, and inaugurated phase two of the prospects partnership.

The programme is implemented by the IFC, ILO, UNHCR, UNICEF, and the World Bank, with the aim of improving the access of host communities and forcibly displaced people to education, social protection, and decent work.

The extended duration of phase-two programme is from 2024 to 2027 with a value of $98 million. Besides education, employment and social protection, water is added to phase two as a new area of focus for refugees and host communities.

"The partnership focuses on improving water resource management and access to sustainable water and sanitation services, aiming to increase climate resilience and efficient water use for vulnerable populations, including those in the refugee camps," according to the Embassy of Netherlands website. 

UNICEF in PROSPECTS one

"The young people play a critical role in securing the future of Jordan. By providing them with the right skills, opportunities, and support, they will unlock their potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities and country," said Philippe Duamelle, UNICEF Representative to Jordan. 

By leveraging UNICEF’s expertise in supporting vulnerable children and advocating for policies that promote children’s rights and sustainable development, this partnership strengthens the resilience of communities in Jordan, he said. 

UNICEF said that the focus is on education, skills training, and social innovation through engaging 110,164 young people in opportunities and volunteering, empowering 67,748 young people with foundational, vocational, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills to find jobs and establish businesses.

Under the programme, 1,600 vulnerable children were provided with monthly cash assistance to support their essential needs, besides psycho-social support provided to around 130,000 children, adolescents, parents and caregivers, of which 102,500 are children.

A total of 19,750 youth are supported by the programme, of which 63 per cent are females, enrolled in skills upgrading courses such as financial literacy, life skills, digital skills, and social innovation.

UNICEF in PROSPECTS two

The second phase of the PROSPCTS focuses education, employment, protection, and infrastructure, which aims at improving education access, retention, and quality for vulnerable and refugee children while equipping youth with digital, financial literacy, and leadership skills for schools, communities, and camps. It also empowers young people to lead climate action locally and globally. 

For employment, the focus is on economic inclusion through market-relevant education, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating job opportunities, especially in rural areas and for refugees. 

UNICEF's Nahno platform supports this by offering volunteering, internships, and apprenticeship opportunities, with over 155,000 youth, 65 per cent females, engaged since 2019.

Protection efforts strengthen social policies, including a "Cash Plusprogramme" to transition vulnerable groups from cash assistance to employment-related social insurance. 

Disability-inclusive, gender-sensitive protection services, access to justice, and mental health support are key priorities. Additionally, the partnership supports climate-resilient WASH services and builds capacity in the water sector to address the refugee-climate nexus and ensure equitable access.

"The Prospects partnership reflects the shared aspirations of refugee and host community children and youth, aligned with Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV). Together, we are enhancing access to education, protection services, skills development, while fostering entrepreneurship and career opportunities, ensuring every young person is equipped to thrive and build a brighter future. We are grateful to the Netherlands for such an initiative and multiyear commitment," Duamelle said.

Foreign minister, Russia’s Lavrov discuss developments in Syria, Gaza

By - Dec 18,2024 - Last updated at Dec 18,2024

Ayman Safadi

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during a phone call on Wednesday, discussed developments in Syria and efforts to end the Israeli aggression on Gaza.

During the call, Safadi underlined the need to stop the aggression on Gaza and end the resulting humanitarian disaster as essential steps toward de-escalating tensions in the region, according to a ministry statement.

He reiterated Jordan's solidarity with the Syrian people in their quest to rebuild their country and safeguard its unity, "free from any violations of its sovereignty or land, free of terrorism, and respectful of the Syrian people’s will and choices to establish a new regime that represents all Syrians and safeguards their rights."

Safadi also warned of the consequences of continued Israeli attacks on Syrian land and sovereignty, describing them as a "blatant aggression, a violation of international law, and a dangerous escalation."

Both Safadi and Lavrov reiterated their commitment to further advancing relations between Amman and Moscow.

Also on Wednesday, Safadi received a phone call from European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica to discuss strengthening cooperation and addressing key regional developments.

Safadi and Šuica underlined the "deep-rooted" partnership between Jordan and the European Union and expressed their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in various fields. 

Safadi congratulated Šuica on her recent appointment and reiterated Jordan's appreciation for the EU's continued support.

Both officials underlined the need to accelerate the finalisation of the Strategic Partnership Agreement, which aims to strengthen relations between the two sides. They also discussed advancing cooperation within the Union for the Mediterranean, which is co-chaired by Jordan and the EU.

The discussion touched on critical regional issues, including the aggression against Gaza, with Safadi and Šuica stressing the importance of securing a lasting ceasefire to end the violence and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.

They also discussed the situation in Syria, underlining the need for stability and security in the country. Both reiterated their support for a Syrian-led political process that safeguards the unity and sovereignty of Syria and the rights of all its citizens.

Safadi and Šuica agreed to maintain an ongoing dialogue and to work towards strengthening Jordan-EU relations.

 

Flights from Amman to Damascus on hold pending int'l safety approval – CARC

First flight since Assad's fall departs Syrian capital

By - Dec 18,2024 - Last updated at Dec 18,2024

Chairman of the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) Haitham Misto on Wednesday says that the resumption of air traffic to Syria depends on meeting international aviation requirements to ensure the highest levels of security and safety (JT file)

AMMAN/ DAMASCUS — Chairman of the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) Haitham Misto on Wednesday said that the resumption of air traffic to Syria depends on meeting international aviation requirements to ensure the highest levels of security and safety.

Misto also stressed that domestic aviation requirements differ from international standards, noting that Jordan awaits confirmation of Damascus International Airport’s readiness to handle international flights before granting permits for Jordanian airlines to resume flights to the Syrian capital, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

Misto highlighted that international aviation standards, which apply uniformly to airports worldwide, encompass logistical, technical, and safety requirements critical for ensuring secure and safe air travel.

The first flight since the ouster of Syria's president Bashar Al Assad took off on Wednesday from Damascus airport to Aleppo in the country's north, AFP journalists saw.

 

Forty-three people including journalists were on board the Syrian Air plane.

 

Earlier this week, airport staff painted the three-star independence flag on planes, a symbol of the 2011 uprising now adopted by the transitional authorities.

 

In the terminal, the new flag also replaced the one linked to Assad's era.

 

An airport official told AFP on condition of anonymity that international flights would resume on December 24, following maintenance work.

 

Syrian Air has a fleet of 12 planes, but only two, both Airbus 320s, are operational, said maintenance official Samer Radi, citing missing spare parts due to international sanctions.

Water management in Jordan’s historic periods: Insights from southern Jordan Valley, Zarqa Triangle

By - Dec 18,2024 - Last updated at Dec 18,2024

The Roman reservoir from 2nd century AD at Umm Al Jimal, supplied troops garrisoned in the adjacent Roman castellum (fort) with water, and was reused for agricultural purposes from the Byzantine to the modern era (Photo courtesy of ACOR)

AMMAN — Most water-related structures in the southern Jordan Valley and Zarqa Triangle originate from the Roman (63 BC-324 AD), Byzantine (324 AD-650 AD) and Umayyad (650 AD-750 AD) periods. 

Traces of such structures from the Abbasid (750 AD-969 AD) and Fatimid (969 AD-1171 AD) periods are scarce.

In the Zarqa Triangle the survey has recovered several dense artefact concentrations dating from the Roman to Umayyad periods while several tell settlements contained a significant quantity of Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad pottery. 

"In the area between tells and surface concentrations, a high amount of mainly Byzantine off-site material was discovered. This is usually interpreted as stemming from domestic refuse and manure collected or stored in villages and spread out over the fields as fertiliser," said Eva Kaptijn, a post-doctoral researcher from Leiden University.

The artefact concentrations from these periods together with the evidence for manuring suggest the presence of considerable agricultural estates. No direct evidence of ancient water management has been detected at these sites in the Zarqa Triangle, but it is interesting to note that they were found at the same locations as the mamluk sugar production sites, where the watermills were connected to the early modern main irrigation canals, Kaptijn explained.

The researcher added that this suggests that an irrigation system was in place and that it was potentially quite similar in layout to the early modern and Ayyubid / Mamluk systems.

According to Kaptijn, the southern Jordan Valley bordering the Dead Sea shows a similar prevalence of remains from these periods. Contrary to the Zarqa Triangle there is ample evidence for Roman to Umayyad water management in this area. As already mentioned, American archaeologist Nelson Glueck discovered Roman and Byzantine sherds in the vicinity of the. 

"Combined with the evidence from other qanat systems, all authors assume a Roman construction date of these structures. The qanat remains seem to focus on a water reservoir, referred to as BessetAl Resas," Kaptijn underlined, adding that reservoirs are primarily used to store rainwater, collected via runoff irrigation systems, and / or to control fluctuating flow in canals. 

Several reservoirs have been found in the area and could be dated to the periods under discussion. At a site called Tell ed-Dabakiyeh a long reservoir (with a circular pool (ca. 29 m in diameter) at its eastern end was uncovered, the scholar elaborated, noting that Glueck reports the discovery of tesserae from a mosaic floor as well as Byzantine pottery. 

Given its location in the middle of the Ghor, water was most likely directed to the reservoir by canals. In 1995, a stone-lined feeder channel with a width of ca. 30 cm (60 cm including the stone sides) could be traced for ca. 2 km eastwards along the northern side of Wadi Ayun Musa. 

"Sherds embedded in the plaster lining were dated to the Byzantine, Umayyad and Abbasid period. This reservoir is probably identical with the basin described by Glueck as RujmAl Azeimeh, which contained painted and glazed mediaeval Arabic sherds 3 as well as the architectural remains of what was interpreted as a Byzantine farmhouse by Alexis Mallon,"Kaptijn highlighted.

The researcher added that another reservoir located on the edge of the Ghor between Wadi Shu’eib and Wadi Al Kafrein was reported by Muheisen and might also date to the Byzantine period.

Moreover, a cistern and aqueduct from the Umayyad / Abbasid period were uncovered in the rescue excavations at Sahl Al Sarabit. The cistern measured 2.5 m in diameter and was fed by channels coming from both the eastern and the western side. 

"Cisterns and traces of aqueducts have also been excavated at the fortress sites of Habbasa and Barakat located above the Wadi Al Kafrein. These fortresses have been dated to the Late Hellenistic / Roman periods and were abandoned sometime during the Byzantine period, "Kaptijn said, adding that at both sites, the cisterns probably functioned as storage of drinking water for the garrisons. 

Just outside a Byzantine caravanserai, a system of clay pipes was found leading water from the Gharabeh Valley, located 2 km away, to settling basins, whereall silt and slip sank to the bottom, and a 7 m deep tank, from where it eventually entered two large pools (30 × 34.5 m and 24 × 24 m, Kaptijn said.

The researcher noted that in all, it is clear that there are many more traces of Roman to Umayyad water infrastructure in the southern Jordan Valley than in the Zarqa Triangle. 

"This is not to say that the Zarqa Triangle witnessed less water management during these periods. Instead, later intensive agricultural exploitation of the Zarqa Triangle has obliterated most of the remains. In both regions, the archaeological evidence points to relative dense occupation and intensive crop cultivation, as indicated by, e. g., the remains of ancient manuring throughout most of the area in the Zarqa Triangle," Kaptijn underscored.

NCHR commends election integrity, calls for reforms to enhance accessibility, smoothness of voting procedures

By - Dec 18,2024 - Last updated at Dec 18,2024

For the voting phase, the centre says it formed a team of 572 observers, with 474 deployed across polling stations nationwide (File photo)

AMMAN — The National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) on Wednesday released its official report on the 20th parliamentary elections.

For the voting phase, the centre said it formed a team of 572 observers, with 474 deployed across polling stations nationwide, covering 28.7 per cent of polling centres and 8.19 per cent of ballot boxes, according to a NCHR statement. 

The remaining observers worked in the field and in the operations room at NCHR to monitor the progress of the electoral process, the statement added. 

To enhance the efficiency and speed of the monitoring process, the centre also said it introduced an electronic application specifically designed for election day monitoring. 

The app included templates based on the legislative framework governing the electoral process, allowing observers to submit real-time updates, the NCHR said.

It also featured location tracking for observers at polling stations and allowed for manual completion of monitoring templates. 

Additionally, a dedicated operations room was established to oversee the election process, including voting, counting, and final tallying. 

The room also received complaints and observations, which were promptly forwarded to the Independent Election Commission (IEC) for resolution.

The findings from the NCHR’s monitoring indicated that the electoral process was marked by simplicity and clarity in the procedures, adding "No violations were reported that compromised the integrity, transparency, or neutrality of the elections."

The NCHR also said that it has submitted 93 observations to the IEC to safeguard the election's integrity throughout the election process, commending the IEC for its responsiveness in addressing these concerns.

The NCHR also provided a set of recommendations to further develop the legislative framework and procedures related to the electoral process.

Key recommendations included amending the 2022 Parliamentary Election Law to establish a quota for persons with disabilities in the House of Representatives. 

The centre also recommended prohibiting internal elections that restrict candidates' freedom to run, as these practices negatively affect both voters’ and candidates’ decisions, especially in terms of preventing discriminatory practices against women. 

Further recommendations included updating procedures for accrediting journalists, media personnel, and photographers to ensure they can access polling and counting rooms and fulfil their professional duties without disrupting the process. 

The centre also suggested providing necessary facilities for observers, such as permitting the use of mobile phones in polling and counting rooms. 

Other recommendations included utilising the Sanad application to verify voters' identities in addition to civil ID cards and ensuring greater voter privacy by positioning privacy screens in polling stations. 

The NCHR also called for increased awareness campaigns to inform persons with disabilities about their ability to change polling and counting centres.

The centre also suggested establishing a database to determine the number of registered voters with disabilities, their percentage, and geographic distribution.

Also on Wednesday, the NCHR released a report on the legislative impact study of Jordan's Cybercrime Law No. 17 of 2023. 

The report stressed the Cybercrime Law's importance in regulating and addressing emerging digital crimes, while simultaneously safeguarding citizens' rights and freedoms. 

The review's primary goal is to refine the law's provisions, ensuring they align with the Constitution and international human rights standards, according to another NCHR statement.

The report highlighted several positive developments introduced by recent amendments, particularly those strengthening privacy protections, including amendments prohibiting the dissemination of private recordings, images or videos, thus enhancing digital privacy rights.

'Darb Al Aman 4' drill to test Jordan's preparedness for crises, emergencies concludes

By - Dec 18,2024 - Last updated at Dec 18,2024

More than 3,500 personnel from government and security institutions, along with 400 volunteers from the All Jordan Youth Commission, participate in the drill (Petra photo)

AMMAN — The comprehensive national drill "Darb Al Aman 4" (path to safety), organised by the National Centre for Security and Crises Management (NCSCM), concluded on Wednesday after four days of activities. 

The drill was conducted with the participation of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), security agencies, and institutions from the public and private sectors, in the presence of NCSCM Chairman HRH Prince Ali, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.  

More than 3,500 personnel from government and security institutions, along with 400 volunteers from the All Jordan Youth Commission, participated in the drill, which was carried out in Amman and other governorates.  

In his remarks after the end of the drill, Prince Ali stressed that Darb Al Aman 4 reflects Jordan's commitment to adopting a scientific and systematic approach to enhancing national readiness to face both expected and unexpected crises. 

The prince expressed his appreciation for the efforts of participants, underscoring the significance of the drill in building the Kingdom's capacity to address major challenges.  

The exercise tested Jordan's preparedness for crises and emergencies through various national plans, including the coordinated national plan for requesting and receiving aid to enhance cooperation during major crises, and the national plan for addressing risks related to King Talal Dam to ensure community and infrastructure safety in emergencies.

The drill also tested the national earthquake response plan, which included realistic scenarios to test response speed and life-saving measures.  

Darb Al-Aman 4 has more scenarios from previous versions, addressing 28 sub-risks related to earthquakes and addressing the impacts of climate change, such as weather instability, floods, and marine pollution. 

The exercise also involved community participation, including school evacuations, where citizens played an active role in the drill, affirming their position as key partners in crisis response.

 

Man sentenced to three years in prison for molesting woman

By - Dec 18,2024 - Last updated at Dec 18,2024

File photo

AMMAN — The Court of Cassation upheld a December Criminal Court ruling, sentencing a man to three years in prison after convicting him of molesting a woman in Ruseifeh in May 2024.

The court declared the defendant guilty of molesting the 25-year-old woman on May 13.

The defendant was handed the maximum punishment by the court.

Court papers said that the victim went with her sister to the defendant’s house because he was known to treat people as witchcraft.

“The defendant informed the woman that he needed to rub her body with olive oil as part of the treatment and she believed him,” the court added.

The defendant rubbed olive oil on the woman’s private parts as part of the treatment, the court papers added.

The victim pushed the defendant’s hand away and immediately left his house, the court stated.

The following day, court papers maintained, the victim filed a complaint against him and was arrested.

The defendant contested his verdict through his lawyer claiming he was innocent.

The defendant claimed that the court relied on contradictory investigation procedures.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Court’s attorney general asked the higher court to uphold the sentence.

The higher court ruled that the Criminal Court proceedings were accurate and that the defendant was given the appropriate punishment. 

The Court of Cassation was headed by Judge Mahmoud Ebtoush and included judges Nauef Samarart, Mohammad Shreiri, Mohammad Khashashneh and Hammad Ghzawi.

Jordan academy celebrates World Arabic Language Day

By - Dec 18,2024 - Last updated at Dec 18,2024

Under the patronage of HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, Chairman of the Arab Thought Forum, the Jordan Academy of Arabic on Wednesday marks the World Arabic Language Day at its headquarters (Petra photo)

AMMAN — Under the patronage of HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, Chairman of the Arab Thought Forum, the Jordan Academy of Arabic on Wednesday marked the World Arabic Language Day at its headquarters. 

Celebrated annually on December 18, the occasion highlights the enduring significance of the Arabic language, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Khalaileh and other dignitaries.

In his address, Academy President Mohammad Bakhit stressed the importance of preserving proper Arabic usage. 

He said that the advancement of the Arabic language begins with scholars in diverse fields, who, through their discoveries, generate new linguistic terms. 

Bakhit expressed hope that localising sciences and knowledge in Arabic would foster progress and contribute to a cultural renaissance across Arab nations.

Bakhit also stressed the collective responsibility of educators, researchers, scientists, academics and officials in protecting the Arabic language for future generations.

The event featured a scientific seminar exploring the cultural and academic significance of the Arabic language. 

Among the participants were Secretary-General of the Arab Thought Forum Sadiq Faqih and Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Jordan Mohammad Shaheen.

In his presentation, titled "The Influence of Arabic on Global Culture and Civilization", Faqih discussed the profound impact of Arabic on the global society, highlighting how the language has shaped customs, traditions, legal systems, artistic expressions, and academic discourse worldwide.

 

Pages

Pages



Newsletter

Get top stories and blog posts emailed to you each day.

PDF