Amnesty International has called on Jordan for the “immediate and unconditional” release of six political activists who are charged with “insulting” King Abdullah II.
“Amnesty International believes them to be prisoners of conscience held solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression and that they are being punished for their pro-reform views and peaceful activities,” the UK-based rights organization said in a statement on Saturday.
The six men were detained in mid-March during an anti-government demonstration in the southern city of Tafileh. If convicted, the six face three years in prison each.
“According to information by Amnesty International, at least three of them were beaten by security forces during initial interrogations,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, members of pro-reform Jordanian youth groups on Saturday staged a protest rally near the prime minister's office in Amman to demand the release of the activists.
Police forces moved in to disperse the demonstrators, and made at least a dozen arrests.
Jordanians have, since January 2011, been holding street protests demanding political reforms, including the election of the prime minister by popular vote and an end to corruption.
Since the beginning of the rallies, the Jordanian king has sacked two successive prime ministers in a bid to avoid more demonstrations.
The king has also amended 42 articles of the 60-year-old constitution, giving the parliament a stronger role in decision-making.
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