Latest news with #MazenAl-Faraya
Jordan News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Jordan News
Minister of Interior Orders Release of 543 Administrative Detainees - Jordan News
Minister of Interior Mazen Al-Faraya instructed administrative governors on Monday to release 543 administrative detainees, in light of the upcoming Eid Al-Adha holiday. اضافة اعلان The decision aims to provide the released individuals with the opportunity to reintegrate into society and resume their normal lives with their families and communities. This follows a thorough review of their case files and the nature of their offenses, deeming the periods they spent in detention sufficient. The move reflects the ministry's humanitarian approach to administrative detention, while also upholding the legal and security standards intended to curb criminal activity among high-risk individuals.
Arab News
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Jordan jails 4 for 20 years in case linked to Muslim Brotherhood
AMMAN: A Jordanian court sentenced four people to 20 years in prison on Wednesday over plans to 'target national security,' in a case linked to the recently outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. Earlier in April, the kingdom's intelligence service announced it had arrested 16 suspects and 'foiled plans aimed at targeting national security, sowing chaos and sabotaging within Jordan.' Jordan then announced last week that it was banning the activities of the Muslim Brotherhood, a transnational Islamist movement, accusing it of manufacturing and stockpiling weapons and planning to destabilize the kingdom. On Wednesday, Jordan's state security court said in a statement that it had sentenced four of the 16 defendants to 20-year jail terms and unspecified fines. The four were convicted of 'possession of explosives, weapons and ammunition with the intent to use them illegally and commit acts that would disrupt public order and threaten social safety and security, in violation of the provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Law,' it said. The statement did not specify whether they were members of the Muslim Brotherhood, but state television had previously broadcast what it described as confessions from three of the 16 suspects admitting they were members of the Islamist group. The Brotherhood later issued a statement distancing itself from the individuals and saying they acted on their own motives. Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya announced on April 23 that the government had decided to 'ban all activities of the so-called Muslim Brotherhood and to consider any activity (carried out by it) a violation of the provisions of the law.' The Muslim Brotherhood has continued to operate in Jordan despite a ruling by the country's top court dissolving it in 2020, with authorities turning a blind eye to its activities.
Arab News
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood ban a turning point
Jordan's decision to formally ban all activities of the dissolved Muslim Brotherhood marks a watershed moment in the kingdom's modern political history — a decision that could reverberate well beyond its borders. Announced by Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya on Wednesday, the move came on the heels of a shocking revelation: a foiled plot involving the manufacture of rockets by individuals allegedly linked to the group. This development sent shock waves through Jordan's security apparatus and fundamentally reshaped the national discourse on the role of political Islam within the state. Since the establishment of the Jordanian state in 1946, the Muslim Brotherhood has played a paradoxical role — at once an integrated actor in Jordan's political development and a perennial source of ideological friction. Its founding in Jordan was marked by a pragmatic collaboration with the Hashemite monarchy, built on mutual concerns about communism and Arab nationalism. Over the decades, the Brotherhood crafted a unique position within the kingdom's political architecture. Unlike its outlawed counterparts in neighboring states, Jordan's Brotherhood operated with relative openness, participating in parliamentary elections, running charitable institutions and mobilizing support through grassroots networks. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the 2000s, the Brotherhood managed to straddle the line between loyalty to the monarchy and advocacy for a distinct sociopolitical agenda rooted in Islamic principles. It garnered support from a wide spectrum of society, particularly among those in the middle and lower classes, who felt marginalized by the economic liberalization policies of successive governments. Its role in advocating for the Palestinian cause — especially during crises such as the ongoing Gaza war — further amplified its resonance with the Jordanian public, culminating in a stronger-than-expected performance in the 2024 legislative elections. What once served as a pressure valve for societal grievances has, in the eyes of the state, transformed into a potential vector for subversion Hani Hazaimeh However, what once served as a pressure valve for societal grievances has, in the eyes of the state, transformed into a potential vector for subversion. The recent discovery of a clandestine rocket-manufacturing operation, allegedly orchestrated by the son of a senior Brotherhood figure, has shattered long-held assumptions about the group's strict adherence to nonviolence. Although the Brotherhood's leadership was quick to disavow any connection to the plot and reiterated its commitment to peaceful activism, the incident has nonetheless cast a dark cloud over the movement's credibility and internal coherence. In response, the government launched a sweeping crackdown: banning all Brotherhood-related activities, shuttering affiliated offices, freezing financial assets and pursuing legal action against anyone promoting or collaborating with the outlawed group. The tone was unambiguous — Jordan would no longer tolerate political entities that, under the guise of ideological pluralism, harbor or inspire elements posing a threat to national cohesion. Domestically, the ban has reignited fierce debates. Supporters of the move argue that Jordan's stability must come above all else, particularly in a region plagued by insurgencies and ideological militancy. Critics, however, warn of the dangers of conflating dissent with subversion. For many Jordanians, especially those disillusioned by stagnant political reforms and economic hardship, the Brotherhood once symbolized an alternative — albeit an imperfect one. Its community-driven initiatives, female-led platforms and focus on social justice filled a void left by traditional political parties. Yet, the exposure of violent plots has irreversibly undermined the group's moral capital, casting doubt on whether it can still claim the mantle of peaceful opposition. Regionally, Jordan's decision represents more than a domestic policy shift — it is a calculated geopolitical signal. By outlawing the Brotherhood, Amman aligns itself more explicitly with a regional bloc that includes Egypt and the UAE, both of which have adopted aggressive stances against Islamist movements. Jordan's pivot thus underscores its intent to stay firmly within the fold of Western-aligned, security-focused regimes that prioritize order over ideological pluralism. Regionally, Jordan's decision represents more than a domestic policy shift — it is a calculated geopolitical signal Hani Hazaimeh The timing of this crackdown is especially significant. The Middle East remains in flux due to the devastating conflict in Gaza, which has intensified regional polarization and exposed the fragile fault lines running through many Arab societies. With Iran-backed militias expanding their influence in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, and with extremist networks seeking new footholds amid growing public anger, Jordan's leadership is understandably concerned about the risks of internal radicalization. The foiled rocket plot — believed to be targeting security installations — was not just an act of criminal defiance, it was a direct challenge to the state's monopoly on force and legitimacy. The path forward is fraught with uncertainty. The Brotherhood's ideological imprint will not vanish overnight. While the organization may be structurally dismantled, its supporters are unlikely to simply abandon their beliefs. The risk of splinter groups radicalizing or operating underground is real. To mitigate this, Jordan must walk a careful line: safeguarding national security without extinguishing avenues for legitimate political expression. This moment also presents an opportunity. The end of the Brotherhood's formal political role could open space for new, reform-minded movements that advocate transparency, inclusivity and constructive engagement. But such developments will only materialize if the state demonstrates a genuine commitment to democratic renewal, economic equity and responsive governance. Simply replacing one set of actors with another will not address the deeper societal grievances that fueled the Brotherhood's rise in the first place. In essence, Jordan's ban on the Muslim Brotherhood is not merely the closing of a political chapter — it is the culmination of a complex and often uneasy relationship between religion, ideology and statehood. It is also a bold recalibration of the kingdom's political doctrine in response to an evolving regional order marked by ideological polarization and shifting alliances. Whether this move ushers in a new era of stability or sows the seeds of future discord will depend largely on what the government does next — not just in terms of repression or security, but in its ability to offer a compelling, inclusive vision for the nation's future. • Hani Hazaimeh is a senior editor based in Amman. X: @hanihazaimeh
Shafaq News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
After sabotage plot: Jordan outlaws Muslim Brotherhood
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, Jordan officially outlawed all activities associated with the dissolved Muslim Brotherhood, ordering the closure of its offices and the seizure of its assets. Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya revealed in a press briefing that security investigations had uncovered the group's involvement in plotting attacks and stockpiling weapons in residential areas. 'The government will not tolerate any entity or individual jeopardizing national security,' Al-Faraya warned, asserting that affiliation with the Brotherhood is now considered a criminal offense, with legal action to follow. The move comes amid growing calls from lawmakers to dismantle the Islamic Action Front—the Brotherhood's political wing—after intelligence reports linked several of its members to a recently dismantled militant cell. According to Jordan's General Intelligence Directorate, 16 individuals have been arrested since 2021 on charges related to the manufacture of rockets and drones, and possession of explosives and firearms. These cases have been reportedly referred to the State Security Court. Founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna, the Muslim Brotherhood emerged as a Sunni Islamist movement advocating for sharia-based governance. While initially focused on religious and social reform, the organization gradually evolved into a political force with affiliates across several Muslim-majority nations. The group extended its influence beyond Egypt, reaching countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Jordan, and Palestine, as well as Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman, and Bahrain.
Jordan News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
Jordan Declares Muslim Brotherhood Illegal, Bans Membership and Seizes Its Assets - Jordan News
Jordanian Minister of Interior Mazen Al-Faraya announced on Wednesday the immediate enforcement of legal provisions against the so-called dissolved Muslim Brotherhood group, labeling it an illegal association. اضافة اعلان In a press briefing, the minister declared a ban on all activities of the dissolved Muslim Brotherhood, stating that any form of activity under its name constitutes a legal violation and will be subject to legal accountability. Al-Faraya emphasized the acceleration of the work of the dissolution committee tasked with confiscating all movable and immovable assets belonging to the group, in accordance with related judicial rulings. He confirmed that membership in the dissolved Muslim Brotherhood is prohibited, as is the promotion of its ideology, with violators subject to prosecution. The minister also announced the closure of any offices or premises used by the group across the Kingdom, even if shared with other entities, under threat of legal consequences. He warned political forces, media outlets, social media users, civil society institutions, and all other entities against engaging with or publishing content related to the dissolved Muslim Brotherhood or any of its fronts or affiliates, noting that legal measures will be taken against violators. Al-Faraya stressed that legal action will be taken against any individual or entity found to be involved in criminal acts connected to the dissolved group, based on ongoing court investigations. He revealed that on the same night plans were announced last week, the group attempted to smuggle and destroy a large amount of documents from its premises to conceal its activities and suspicious connections. The minister also disclosed that following the announcement of threats to national security last week, authorities intercepted an operation involving the manufacturing and testing of explosives by an individual associated with the group's leadership and others. They were reportedly planning to target security forces and sensitive locations within Jordan. Al-Faraya stated that these decisions stem from the state's commitment to protecting society and maintaining order, preventing actions that disturb public security or distort legitimate political engagement. He affirmed that Jordan has historically supported citizens' rights to form political parties and associations and to express their opinions freely within the law. However, elements of the dissolved Muslim Brotherhood have acted covertly in ways that destabilize security and national unity, defying court rulings and public order. He cited the discovery of explosives and weapons moving between cities and being stored in residential areas, including the concealment of rockets in Amman suburbs, and training and recruitment operations both domestically and abroad, as unacceptable for any state. Al-Faraya concluded by reiterating the government's commitment to safeguarding citizens' rights to free expression and responsible political engagement, within the legal framework, stressing the importance of national unity, especially amid current regional and global challenges. At the beginning of his remarks, the minister highlighted that Islam advocates tolerance and moderation, warning that extremism and fanaticism only lead to chaos, violence, and division within societies.
