11 suspects in festive firing video turn themselves in — police

AMMAN — Police on Wednesday said 11 people suspected of festive firing in the Southern Badia during the recent parliamentary elections have turned themselves in to authorities. 

The suspects were part of a group of 18 men who were shown firing in the air in a video that went viral several weeks ago, Public Security Department (PSD) Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi said.

“No one was reported injured as a result of this heavy shooting,” Sartawi told The Jordan Times.

He added that search is ongoing for the remaining seven individuals who appeared in the video.

Police formed a special investigation team to analyse the clip and the individuals who appeared in it, according to a PSD statement.

“The suspects were all identified, and warrants were issued for their arrest,” the PSD statement added.

The 11 suspects who turned themselves in were referred to the concerned authorities for further prosecution, according to the statement.

It added that the PSD would not tolerate any form of festive firing and that anyone found violating the law and firing live rounds during celebrations will be arrested and referred to the concerned authorities.

Meanwhile, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, said that tribal leaders in the Southern Badia and Maan condemned the celebratory shootings that occurred during the elections in some candidates’ headquarters.

“The tribal leaders commended the government and police efforts in taking immediate action against these individuals who fired from their weapons during the elections,” Petra reported.

The tribal leaders pledged to ensure the remaining suspects who appeared in the video are brought to justice, according to Petra.