House-Arrested Jordanian Prince "Leaves Disposition to the King"...Swears Loyalty and Agrees to Mediation

House Arrest for Two Days on Rebellion Attempt Charges, Followed by Oath of Loyalty
King's Uncle Prince Hasan Mediates...King Also Agrees

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Prince Hamzah bin Hussein, the half-brother of Jordan's King Abdullah II who was under house arrest on charges of attempting a coup, has pledged allegiance to the king and agreed to mediation by the royal family. This move is interpreted as aligning with the international community's desire for a swift resolution, concerned about the potential impact on not only the Jordanian royal family but also the Middle East situation. Some view this incident as a stark revelation of the public sentiment in Jordan, which has been deteriorating since the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns that the seeds of political instability in Jordan may continue to smolder.

According to foreign media including the BBC, on the 5th (local time), the Jordanian royal court announced that Prince Hamzah had sworn loyalty to the king and agreed to the royal family's mediation. According to a letter released by the royal court, Prince Hamzah reportedly said, "I entrust my fate to the king. I will dedicate myself to Jordan's constitution from now on." Previously, Prince Hamzah was placed under house arrest on charges of attempting a coup, and a video he released via BBC, claiming he was falsely accused, sparked controversy worldwide.

To swiftly resolve the situation, King Abdullah's uncle and senior royal family member, Prince Hassan, personally intervened as a mediator. Prince Hamzah, who had opposed the mediation plan, reportedly changed his mind and agreed to the royal family's mediation after meeting with Prince Hassan. This is seen as a decision to prevent further discord amid the growing atmosphere for a prompt resolution not only within the Jordanian royal family but also in the international community.

Earlier, Jordanian authorities placed Prince Hamzah under house arrest, accusing him of conspiring with an Israeli Mossad-affiliated businessman to attempt a coup, and arrested some high-ranking officials involved. Prince Hamzah had been suspected of preparing a rebellion after publicly criticizing the Jordanian government and meeting influential tribal leaders, following his visits to families of patients who died from oxygen shortages while being treated for COVID-19 at the Jordan National Hospital.

CNN pointed out that although the incident was quickly resolved, it reflects the deteriorating public sentiment in Jordan since the COVID-19 crisis. With the conflict involving Prince Hamzah, who was sidelined from the line of succession, coming to the surface, concerns remain that the seeds of political instability in Jordan may persist. Prince Hamzah was appointed crown prince in 1999 when his half-brother Abdullah II ascended the throne, following the late king's wishes. However, in 2004, Abdullah II unilaterally broke with the late king's wishes, stripping Hamzah of the crown prince title and appointing his own son as crown prince, thereby pushing Hamzah out of central power.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.