Jordan: Anti-government protests continue in Amman June 4-5 /update 3

Event

Anti-government protests continued in Amman overnight from late on Monday, June 4 (local time), to the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 5, following the resignation of Prime Minister Hani Mulki on Monday. About 2000 protesters marched on Monday night toward Mulki's office demanding that the Jordanian government abandon a draft income tax law. Minor scuffles broke out as security forces attempted to keep protesters away from the office.

Civil groups in Jordan are expected to hold a general strike on Wednesday, June 6. Additional demonstrations and clashes between protesters and security forces are expected in the coming days. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near related protests.

Context

The International Monetary Fund (IMF)-backed austerity measures, including raising taxes and removing subsidies, are part of a three-year initiative aimed at reducing the country's debt, which remains at 95 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). As of June 4, at least 60 people had been detained by security forces and 42 security forces personnel had been wounded during the protests.

Several protests have been held in Jordan in recent months over tax and price hikes. In addition to the abovementioned protests, demonstrations broke out after the Jordanian government increased the prices of fuel and bread, as well as implemented a value-added tax on various consumer goods such as cigarettes, carbonated drinks, and jewelry in January 2018. In February, the government also announced hikes to public transport fares, including taxis and buses, and electricity and oil prices, leading to more demonstrations.

Advice

Individuals in Jordan, particularly in Amman, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.