Jordan: Hundreds protest in Amman over tax law November 30 /update 6

Event

Some 300 people protested in Amman on Friday, November 30, denouncing an IMF-backed income tax law recently passed by parliament to reduce public debt. Dozens of demonstrators called for the resignation of Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, whose government has been accused of repackaging a similar tax bill widely condemned earlier this year and passing it with only minor changes; protesters also claimed that the government has failed to rein in corruption and reduce the wasting of public funds. Police erected security cordons to prevent the crowd, which gathered near 4th Circle, from marching to the prime minister's office. Similar anti-government demonstrations are possible in Amman over the coming days. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near protest sites.

Context

Critics have claimed that the IMF-backed austerity measures will exacerbate economic inequality in Jordan and disproportionately impact the lower and middle classes.

A wave of nationwide protests took place in late May and early June to denounce IMF-backed austerity measures - including tax and price hikes - aimed at reducing the country's debt. Dozens of people were wounded and arrested in the demonstrations, which prompted King Abdullah II to ask for the resignation of then-Prime Minister Hani Mulki.

Advice

Individuals in Jordan, particularly those 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.