Jordan's casino scandal trial continues

Jordanian former Prime Minister Nader Dahabi appeared before the head of general prosecutors in Amman, Judge Mohamed Sourani, Tuesday, whereal-Zahabi’s testimony was heard, in addition to the testimonies of three other former ministers, in the Dead Sea Casino case. Former prime minister  Samir Refaei had attended before Sourani last Tuesday, who listened to his testimony on the case, whereas former ministers Ziad Fariz and Nasser Sharida and Premier Advisor Abdallah Edwan had also presented their testimonies to the general prosecutor on the same case. The casino deal, worth several million dollars, caused a real crisis in Jordan, where gambling is illegal, as the 50-year contract included a penalty of up to 1.4 billion dollars in case of contract termination. The Jordanian House of Representatives could not prosecute former Jordanian prime minister Marouf Bakhit last June, whereas former Tourism Minister Osama Dabbas, who supervised the deal, was indicted. Bakhit stated before the parliament that he knows nothing of the contract terms and penalties; however, documents and gathered information beg to differ. A letter signed by former Jordanian Premier Bakhit in 10/9/2007 addressed to Tourism Minister at the time, Osama Dabbas, clearly stated “the government authorizes the agreement to build a casino overlooking the Dead Sea as a legal touristic activity.” Bakhit asked Dabbas to sign the agreement with Ayla Oasis, a London-based investor. Other letters between Bakhit and Dabbas, in August and September 2007, indicate that Dabbas and Bakhit were both well informed of all the bids on the deal and its implications. On a different note, ‘Arabstoday’ learned that Former Prime Minister Ali Abu Ragheb left Jordan last week to Switzerland, following several information implying the likelihood of Abu Ragheb appearing before the general prosecutor in more than one case. Information cited Abu Ragheb threatening that he would not be the sole victim if he is summoned to appear before the general prosecutor, but would reveal details on several cases which would draw in significant senior officials, without specifying names. Press statements quoted sources close to Abu Ragheb saying that he is considering political asylum in Switzerland.