Jordan: Youth Movement organises demonstrations

The Youth Movement in Jordan has called for demonstrations on Friday May 18 in 10 Jordanian governorates, to protest against corruption as well as to call for reforms in the country. A statement, issued by the movement said that demonstrations will take place in Salt, Jerash, Ajloun, Tafileh, Theban, Tafayleh, Sahab, Shobek, Karak and the capital, Amman. These demonstrations will carry the slogan "The Homeland is Sold", referring to the official policy of selling the nation's public projects and facilities to foreign investors and select Jordanian businessmen, especially during the last decade. "It has become clear that Jordan has been subject to the policies of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as certain corrupt figures who are protected by powerful officials within the ruling body. What happened to the Jordanian people during the past two decades, who were at the mercy of the bankers who sold the nation's resources and projects. This has turned the Jordanian citizens into a people who wait for donations, instead of ensuring their legitimate national rights as guaranteed by the Constitution," the statement added. The movement also voiced its rejection of the government's policy of arresting activists and journalists who support the movement's activities, calling for the cancellation of all charges against them as prosecuted before the State's Security Court.