Jordan: Protests planned in Amman August 13 /update 1

Event

Protests are set to take place on Monday, August 13, beginning at 19:00 (local time), near the Professional Associations Complex in Amman to denounce the construction of the Israel-Jordan gas pipeline, widely viewed as a move to normalize the perceived Israeli-occupation of Palestinian lands. Demonstrators are calling for the cancelation of the project, scheduled to be completed in 2020. Additional related protests in Amman are possible in the near-term. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected near the demonstration sites.

Context

Nearly 150 people carried out a similar demonstration in Irbid on July 25. The Israel-Jordan pipeline, measuring 65 km (40 mi) will be able to transport USD 10 billion of natural gas to Jordan over a 15-year period. Critics of the pipeline claim that Jordan can produce sufficient solar, shale, and wind energy to negate the need to import gas from Israel.

The pipeline demonstrations come after a wave of nationwide protests that 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 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.