Jordan: Hundreds protest in Amman January 3 /update 11

Event

Hundreds of people staged a sit-in protest in Amman amid a heightened security presence on the evening (local time) of Thursday, January 3, to denounce a recently passed income tax law and other IMF-backed government reforms. The protesters reportedly gathered at the courtyard of Jordan Hospital, near Fourth Circle; security forces cordoned off adjacent roads leading to the protest site.

Similar protests are to be expected in Amman over the coming weeks. Associated transportation disruptions, along with heightened security measures, are expected in the vicinity of any demonstration. Clashes between protesters and police forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Protests have been held every Thursday over the past weeks to denounce IMF-backed austerity measures, a cybercrime law, and current economic and political policies. Critics have claimed that the IMF-backed austerity measures, including a recently passed income tax law, will exacerbate economic inequality in Jordan and disproportionately impact the lower and middle classes.

Advice

Individuals in Jordan, particularly those in Amman, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.