AMMAN: Jordan’s King Abdallah II on Thursday visited the home village of Christian writer Nahed Hattar to pay condolences to his family, following his murder outside an Amman court.
The king “strongly condemned this heinous crime” which was “alien to our (Jordanian) culture,” the royal palace said in a statement.
Abdullah, accompanied by Prime Minister Hani Al-Malki on the visit to the Christian village of Al-Fuhais, 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of Amman, stressed that Jordan’s Muslims and minority Christians were united against “extremism, violence and bigotry.”
Hattar, 56, was shot dead by a bearded assailant on Sunday on the steps of an Amman court where he was on trial for insulting Islam with a cartoon he shared on social media.
Hattar’s family accused the authorities of failing to protect the writer despite warnings that his life had been under threat.
They also called for the resignation of both Malki and Interior Minister Salama Hammad.
A source close to the family said the king had pledged to ensure the prosecution of anyone who had incited Hattar’s murder.
The assailant, who surrendered to police at the scene, has been charged with premeditated murder, terrorism and possession of an illegal firearm. If convicted, the suspect could face the death penalty.
Jordan king visits family of murdered Christian writer
Jordan king visits family of murdered Christian writer
Military coalition in Yemen condemns attack on commander’s convoy
- Al-Maliki also said the coalition is committed to supporting Yemeni security efforts and pursuing those involved in the attack and bringing them to justice
RIYADH: The Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen condemned on Wednesday an attack that targeted the convoy of a senior commander.
The attack in the Jaoula area of Lahj governorate targeted vehicles under the command of Brigadier General Hamdi Shukri, who heads the second division of the Giants Forces.
Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki said there were numerous deaths injuries and called the ambush “a criminal act that is contrary to all human and moral values.”
He said the coalition, which includes Saudi Arabia, will continue coordinating with the relevant authorities to ensure the security of citizens and maintain stability, Saudi Press Agency reported.
He called for people to work with the Yemeni government and military authorities to confront any sabotage attempts or terrorist operations targeting the security and stability of liberated governorates.
Al-Maliki also said the coalition is committed to supporting Yemeni security efforts and pursuing those involved in the attack and bringing them to justice.
