AMMAN, Jordan – In a significant move underscoring Jordan’s intensified stance on internal security threats, the country’s State Security Court has sentenced four individuals to 20 years in prison each, along with fines, over charges related to terrorism and attempts to disrupt public order. The verdict comes amid heightened scrutiny of the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood in the kingdom.
The court’s ruling on Wednesday follows a major security operation earlier in April, when Jordan’s intelligence services arrested 16 suspects, claiming they had uncovered plots aimed at “undermining national security, creating unrest, and inciting sabotage” across various regions.
According to an official statement released by the court, the four convicted individuals were found guilty of “possessing explosives, firearms, and ammunition with the intention of illegal use and committing acts that endanger public safety and the country’s social fabric.” The charges were pursued under Jordan’s Anti-Terrorism Law, reflecting the seriousness of the alleged offenses.
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Although the court did not directly identify the suspects as members of the Muslim Brotherhood, state-run media previously aired televised confessions from three of the detainees, who claimed affiliation with the group. In response, the Brotherhood issued a formal statement disassociating itself from the accused, insisting their actions were not sanctioned by the organization and were driven by individual motives.
The crackdown comes shortly after Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya announced on April 23 that the government had officially outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood’s operations, declaring that any activity linked to the group would be treated as a legal offense under Jordanian law.
“The government has decided to prohibit all activities carried out by the so-called Muslim Brotherhood,” al-Faraya stated, emphasizing that any future attempts to organize under its banner would be subject to prosecution.
Despite a 2020 court ruling that dissolved the group’s legal status, the Muslim Brotherhood had continued to function in Jordan, with authorities previously turning a blind eye to some of its political and social outreach. However, the latest developments indicate a decisive shift in the kingdom’s policy.
The sentencing sends a strong message as Jordan intensifies efforts to combat extremist ideologies and maintain national security, particularly in light of regional instability. The remaining suspects in the case are expected to face further legal proceedings in the coming weeks.
