Israel transfers MP Adwan to Jordan

AMMAN — Jordan on Sunday said that Israel handed over MP Imad Al Adwan into the Kingdom’s custody after the lawmaker had been detained by the Israeli authorities for an alleged smuggling attempt of weapons and gold into the occupied West Bank.

A foreign ministry statement said that the concerned authorities received Adwan at the King Hussein Bridge earlier on Sunday. 

Also on Sunday, the Lower House voted to lift Adwan’s immunity upon request of the State Security Court (SSC). 

The vote to lift Adwan’s immunity was held in a closed-door session exclusive to members of the Lower House. 

In statements to press following the session, Lower House Speaker Ahmed Safadi confirmed that MP Adwan was released by Israel and had already crossed the border into Jordan, thanks to the efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah and the government, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Following the Lower House’s decision, the relevant authorities will initiate the process of referring Adwan to the Public Prosecutor of the State Security Court (SSC), an official source said on Sunday.

Jordanian authorities have investigated the case and gathered sufficient evidence regarding alleged repeat smuggling attempts by the MP, as well as other suspects. In addition to Adwan, the other suspects will be referred to the SSC, the official source said.

“This evidence includes admissions of involvement in illegal arms trafficking and smuggling in collaboration with the aforementioned MP,” the source said. 

The other individuals have also been implicated in the smuggling of gold, e-cigarettes and various other materials.

Adwan was arrested on April 22 on the King Hussein Bridge after Israeli authorities claimed to have found pistols, rifles and gold in the lawmaker’s car.