Jordan Youth Critical Of King Gets Jail Time

Published January 26, 2012 11:45AM (EST)

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — A military prosecutor says a young Jordanian activist has been found guilty of "harming the king's dignity" for burning a street poster of the monarch and has been sentenced to two years in prison.

The prosecutor says 18-year-old Odai Abu-Issa torched King Abdullah II's poster in front of a government office in southwestern Jordan two weeks ago.

The motive remains unclear. Abu-Issa belongs to a small group of young Jordanians who have been demanding Abdullah's absolute powers be curbed.

The prosecutor said the verdict by the military State Security Court was issued Thursday. He insisted on anonymity in line with military regulations.

Abu-Issa's lawyer, Moussa Al-Abdallat, says the sentence is "harsh" and that he will appeal.


By Salon Staff

MORE FROM Salon Staff


Related Topics ------------------------------------------