Jordan announced on Wednesday a broad ban on the Muslim Brotherhood, which could include the closure of the country’s largest opposition party, the Islamic Action Front. The government accused the group of planning attacks and engaging in destabilizing activities. The Islamic Action Front, linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, secured the most seats in last year’s parliamentary elections, held amidst mass protests against Israel due to its war with Hamas.
Jordan had banned the Muslim Brotherhood a decade ago but had tolerated its splinter group and the Islamic Action Front, albeit with restrictions on some of its activities. The scope of this new ban remains unclear, but police surrounded the party’s headquarters on Wednesday, searching it.
The Interior Ministry declared the Muslim Brotherhood an illegal organization and prohibited any political activities related to it. The government also announced plans to close its offices and accelerate efforts to confiscate its assets. The ministry accused the group of working covertly to undermine national security and unity, citing involvement in security destabilization.
The Ministry added that a son of one of the group’s leaders was involved in attempts to create explosives aimed at security forces. Last week, 16 individuals were arrested for illegal activities, including manufacturing missiles and explosives, which the government linked to the Brotherhood. The group denied the charges, insisting it supports Jordan’s security.
