‘Sedition case not shrouded in mystery’, says Fayez

AMMAN — The “sedition case is not shrouded in mystery”, Senate President Faisal Fayez said, adding that all investigations were conducted in public, pending criminal investigation.

In an interview with France 24, Fayez said that the case or crisis is not over, noting that there are 14 to 18 suspects in connection with a case of attempting to destabilise national security and stability, pending investigation. He added that all details before and during the prosecution will be shared, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

On the issue of HRH Prince Hamzeh, Fayez said that His Majesty King Abdullah decided to resolve matters surrounding the issue within the Royal Hashemite Family, noting that the prince issued a letter pledging allegiance to His Majesty and the Crown Prince.

Fayez also refuted rumours that Prince Hamzeh is under house arrest, adding that the prince was with the King and Crown Prince during their visit to the Royal Cemetery at the Royal Hashemite Court, on the occasion of the state’s centennial.

He also cited the King’s statement that Hamzeh is with his family, at his palace, in His Majesty’s care.

In response to a question about why the prince is not allowed to talk even on phone, Fayez said: “This is His Royal Highness’ decision after signing the letter”, adding that the agreement with HRH Prince Hassan included that HRH Prince Hamzeh stay out of the spotlight, until the case is over.

He also said that “the government’s crystal clear statement”, made by deputy prime minister and foreign minister, stressed that HRH Prince Hamzeh was involved in this sedition but His Majesty decided to resolve the issue within the Royal Hashemite Family.

He added that Prince Hamzeh could not be prosecuted as the issue is within the Royal Hashemite Family, in addition to the fact that the prince had pledged allegiance to His Majesty and the Crown Prince when he signed the letter.

On foreign interference to resolve the issue, Fayez denied any such interference as the issue is within the Royal Hashemite Family.

Fayez also rejected to describe the matters as “conspiracy or coup”, noting that what happened is an attempt to destabilise the country and inject sedition.

Regarding the detention of Basem Awadallah, in response to a question that Saudi Arabia “rushed” to know what is going on in Amman, Fayez said that the word “rush” cannot not be used in this context and rather it was an action showing Saudi support for the Kingdom.

Both The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud called His Majesty stressing their country’s support to Jordan, in addition to sending a delegation to reiterate their support for Jordan, Fayez added.

Fayez also rejected a question claiming that Saudi Arabia has changed its position on the Hashemite Custodianship over Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites, stressing that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Saudi envoy in Amman have confirmed the Hashemite Custodianship and that Saudi Arabia has never asked to have the custodianship or change it. 

On the future of the Kingdom, Fayez said that Jordan is moving towards a better future with optimism, stressing that Jordanians stand by His Majesty King Abdullah.