Jordan frees 8 prominent government critics from detention

AMMAN, Jordan – Relatives and a defence lawyer say eight prominent government critics are free on bail after a month in detention.

The men were jailed on charges of incitement, after they protested on social media against tax hikes and the government’s purported failure to punish corruption.

The case highlights Jordan’s “red lines” in public debate, at a time when the U.S.-allied kingdom faces growing security threats and an economic downturn.

Mohammed Otoom, 63, a retired major general in Jordan’s domestic security service, said Tuesday that he was held with 28 others in a small cell. He believes he was targeted for his anti-corruption stance.

A judicial official who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with briefing rules confirmed the bail arrangement, but would not say whether the case would continue.