Jordan’s King Abdullah spoke publicly for the first time about the court battle between him and his half-brother Prince Hamza in a statement read on Jordanian television on Wednesday (April 7).
The king expressed his “shock, pain and anger” over the unprecedented public feud. Hamza is accused of being involved in a plot to destabilize Jordan. Jordan is a strategically important Middle Eastern country.
The statement said, “I address you today as a member of my family and tribe. …… Please be assured that the rebellion has been buried.”
King Abdullah said, “The challenges of the past few days have been neither the most difficult nor the most dangerous for the stability of our country, but the most painful, because those who participated in the rebellion came from our own homes and from outside them.”
He added: “Nothing could be more shocking and painful than what I feel as an elder brother, the head of the Hashemite family and the leader of the dear nation.”
Hamza told the outside world that he had been ordered to stay at home and not to contact people abroad, thus publicly intensifying the conflict between the two brothers. Hamza vowed never to obey the order. But on Monday, after a mediator intervened, Hamza signed a statement saying he would remain loyal to the king.
Authorities have also arrested others, up to 18, for their alleged involvement in the plot, and there is no indication they have been released, the Associated Press said. Those arrested include some former senior officials.
Abdullah said Hamza “is now living in his own palace with his family under my care.” He added that the investigation into the plot is still active.
The Jordanian government on Tuesday issued a ban on reporting on the incident.
High-level political arrests are a rare occurrence in Jordan.
The United States and Arab countries were quick to express support for Abdullah.
Hamza and Abdullah are the sons of King Hussein. King Hussein, who ruled Jordan, died in 1999. When Abdullah ascended to the throne, he named Hamza crown prince, but abolished his title five years later.
The Associated Press reported that Hamza had previously publicly criticized the government. He has also formed alliances with important tribal leaders, which some say could pose a threat to the king.
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