Middle East News

Jordan's king issues amnesty for thousands

Jun 8, 2011, 18:33 GMT

Amman - Jordan's King Abdullah II on Wednesday issued a general amnesty to mark the 12th anniversary of his accession expected to lead to the pardoning of thousands of wrongdoers.

The amnesty excludes crimes pertaining to espionage, state security, narcotics, rape, premeditated murder, financing of terrorism, money laundering and the forgery of banknotes.

The move coincided with a pledge by King Abdullah to carry out 'real and speedy' political reforms in the wake of four months of protests inspired by the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.

A National Dialogue Committee set up by the monarch in March issued proposals earlier this week for new laws governing the election of the lower house of parliament and the formation of political parties in the country.

King Abdullah has also set up a panel to revise the country's constitution, which is expected to put forward its recommendations in a few weeks.