AMMAN – Amman’s ambassador to Tel Aviv has met Jordanian MP Imad Odwan, who is detained in Israel for allegedly trying to smuggle weapons and gold into the occupied West Bank.
A Jordanian Foreign Ministry statement said that Ghassan Al-Majali met Odwan on Tuesday as part of the “government’s intensified effort to resolve the case.”
The ministry’s spokesperson, Sinan Al-Majali, was quoted in the statement as saying that the ambassador discussed the circumstances surrounding Odwan’s detention and the treatment he is receiving from Israeli authorities.
The meeting sought to ensure that detention procedures were in compliance with the MP’s legal and humanitarian rights, as well as international conventions and protocols.
Al-Majali said: “The lawmaker confirmed that he is in good health condition and is not subject to any physical and psychological abuse.”
Odwan was arrested earlier this week for allegedly trying to smuggle weapons and gold into the occupied West Bank.
Israel said that border authorities foiled an attempt to smuggle the items at the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby) border crossing. Reports claimed that the items were found in Odwan’s car.
The Jordanian government said that it was notified about the arrest of the politician and is working to secure his release.
Some Jordanian MPs hailed their colleague as a “hero,” claiming he was sending weapons to the “Palestinian resistance.” Other lawmakers called on the government to “swiftly” work on bringing him home.
Legal experts said that as a member of the Jordanian Parliament, Odwan only receives domestic immunity, but is subject to legal proceedings abroad.
But Veteran MP Saleh Armout, an established lawyer and former president of the Jordanian Bar Association, claimed that Odwan should still receive immunity because he was arrested in the West Bank, which is considered occupied territory under international law.
Israel issued a gag order on all news related to Odwan’s case.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen was quoted in Israeli media as saying: “I don’t think that the episode is connected to Jordan in general, but to an irresponsible criminal act.
“I don’t want to assign guilt to the entire government or the entire parliament.”
Odwan, 34 from the city of Salt, is a lawyer, holding a master’s degree in international law and membership of the Palestine Committee in the Jordanian Parliament.
The frequent government critic is a young deputy in the Jordanian parliament.
