In a major development, the Jordanian government on Wednesday declared a vast prohibition against the Muslim Brotherhood, indicating potential actions that might include the disbandment of the country’s most significant opposition party. This measure follows accusations against the organization for allegedly orchestrating aggressive plots. The Islamic Action Front, linked to the Muslim Brotherhood which significantly influences the broader region, had previously clinched the most parliamentary seats last year. This electoral success emerged amidst widespread protests in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Jordanian authorities had imposed an earlier prohibition on the Muslim Brotherhood a decade ago but allowed a breakaway faction to operate legally while maintaining a close watch on the Islamic Action Front by restricting some of its activities. The scope of the latest ban was not immediately detailed.
After the announcement on Wednesday, police forces promptly encircled the party’s headquarters and commenced investigative operations within its premises.
The Interior Ministry formally declared the Muslim Brotherhood as an illegal entity, announcing the prohibition of any associated political activities and the shutdown of all its offices. The Ministry further stated swift actions would be undertaken to seize the group’s assets.
“Evidence has shown members of the organization operate covertly engaging in activities that could undermine national stability,” stated the Ministry. “Members of the disbanded Muslim Brotherhood have jeopardized national security and unity, disrupting the public safety and social order.”
It was revealed that a son of one of the group’s leaders had been allegedly involved in attempts to fabricate and examine explosives slated for use against security forces, although no additional identities or details were provided.
Recently, Jordanian forces arrested 16 individuals implicated in producing short-range missiles, possessing explosives and automatic weapons, hiding a missile ready for deployment, and unlawfully recruiting and training individuals for such endeavors.
The government connected these individuals to what it referred to as “unlicensed groups,” implicitly referring to the Muslim Brotherhood. However, the Brotherhood refuted these allegations, affirming its commitment to Jordan’s security.
Regarded as a dependable ally by Western nations, Jordan has long held a reputation as a pillar of stability amidst the dynamism of the Middle East. Sharing borders with Israel, the West Bank, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, Jordan also accommodates hundreds of thousands of refugees stemming from various regional conflicts.
The Muslim Brotherhood, established nearly a century ago in Egypt, has an expansive global presence with branches worldwide. Its leaders have consistently advocated for non-violence, seeking to achieve Islamic governance through democratic elections and peaceful means. Nevertheless, regional autocratic regimes tend to view it as a substantial threat.