King Abdullah’s half-brother of Jordan, Prince Hamzah bin-Hussein, was placed under house arrest after visiting the families of COVID-19 patients.
According to Reuters, it was that visit that triggered a response from the Jordanian monarchy. A senior official called the event the “drop that broke the camel’s back,” as it followed a visit by King Abdullah to the hospital, in which he reprimanded staff over the deaths of nine patients.
People familiar with the situation told the outlet that the prince’s visit was considered an undermining of King Abdullah’s authority and resulted in Hamzah being placed under house arrest earlier this month. Hamzah reported at the time that he was unable to communicate with other people or attend meetings during his arrest.
“The well-being of (Jordanians) has been seconded to a ruling system that has decided that its personal interests, financial interests, that its corruption is more important than the life, dignity and future of the ten million people who live here “, he said. , said Reuters.
Both Hamzah and King Abdullah have publicly reconciled after the incident, Reuters reported. However, experts have said tensions have risen again due to Jordan’s struggles with unemployment and an increase in deaths from the coronavirus.
“The family feud is over, but we need to address the issues that led to … unemployment, COVID-19 management and poverty,” said Jawad al Anani, who was the last chief of the royal court under the late King Hussein. . “These are the causes (of) … the frustration that drives people to follow their own idols.”