Jordan sends Syrian rioters back across border

Jordan has announced the deportation of 200 Syrian refugees after they went out on riots at Al-Zaatari Camp and the violence left 28 Jordanian security personnel injured. State Minister for Information and government spokesman Samih Maaytah in an official statement issued last night said, "200 Syrian refugees had been returned to their home country upon their request and after they signed legal documents to this effect." The minister clearly indicated this is linked to the riots at the refugee camp. About 200 refugees went on a rampage late Tuesday at the Zaatari Camp, which is a tent city housing over 20,000 refugees. The rioters, which Prime Minister Fayez Al-Tarawneh had stressed were a minority in the camp, claimed poor services as cause for their protest. The premier said, in his remarks yesterday, that those involved in the violence had been arrested, and that such acts shall not be tolerated, and those concerned would be sent back where they came from. The camp management and security authorities met leaders of the protest to know their demands and complaints, but the protesters soon started hailing stones at them. One of those injured is in "critical condition", authorities said. A security official had been quoted by AP saying the Syrians would be sent back across the border but away from state control, lest they be prosecuted.