Jordan court sets Monday for ruling in plot to destabilize kingdom

Security members guard a military court where the trial of Bassem Awadallah and Sherif Hassan Zaid, is set to take place in Amman, Jordan. (File/Reuters)

• The court decided to file the case under ‘scrutiny,’ and adjourned the session until July 12 to read the verdict

LONDON: Jordan’s security court will issue a ruling in a sedition case on Monday.
“The state security court held a new session in the sedition case, in the presence of the governing body, the representative of the Public Prosecution, the state security court’s attorney general, the first and second defendants, and their defense attorneys,” a statement on state run Petra news agency said on Tuesday.
The prosecution accuses former finance minister Bassem Awadallah, along with another man, Sharif Hassan bin Zaid, of taking part in a plot to destabilize the country.
Both are accused of working with Prince Hamza, the former crown prince and half brother of of King Abdullah II.
“During the course of this session, and according to the legally established court roles, the defense attorneys presented their clients’ affidavit, which included, in accordance with legal procedures, the trial records,” the statement added.
It said the court had decided to file the case under “scrutiny,” and adjourned the session until Monday to read the verdict.
Awadallah and Bin Zaid have pleaded not guilty, while Prince Hamzah has been placed under house arrest since April.