Minister of Interior says the murder of Colonel Al Dalabeh “will not go unpunished”

The Ministry of Interior held a press conference on Friday in capital Amman with the attendance of the Minister of Government Communications and the Head of General Security, after the killing of a colonel in Jordanian security forces and the wounding of two police officers on Thursday night in Ma’an Governorate in southern Jordan.

Jordanian Minister of Interior, Mazen Al-Faraya, said during the press conference, “the killing of Colonel Abdul Razzaq Al-Dalabeh, deputy chief of police of Ma’an Governorate will not go unpunished and the security services are exerting all efforts to apprehend the perpetrator as soon as possible.” He added, “Since the start of the protests, security forces have dealt with them with discipline, and have not been aggressive with any protester.”

The Minister continued, “However, in the past days, we have witnessed a significant rise in acts of violence, including setting fire to several institutions,” explaining that “necessary measures that security forces take will only be directed towards those who use violence.” He also emphasized that “citizens should separate between permitted peaceful protests and acts of violence.”

Several Jordanian regions are amidst a state of tension, following the announcement of a strike by transport drivers about a week ago, to protest against government’s decision to raise fuel prices.