Jordan’s Brotherhood leader appeals jail term

The deputy head of Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood Zaki Bani Irsheid yesterday appealed an 18-month prison sentence handed to him on charges of harming his country’s relations with the United Arab Emirates, the Anadolu Agency reported.

Irsheid’s chief defence lawyer, Saleh Al-Armouti told Anadolu: “The appeal challenges the constitutionality of the anti-terrorism law in the light of which my client had been tried.”

Adding: “The law contradicts the articles of the constitution which clearly state that civilians can only be tried in civilian courts.”

Nearly a month ago, Irsheid who is being held in Marka prison, east of the capital Amman, was sentenced to 18 months in prison by the State Security Court on charges of harming Jordan’s relations with the UAE.

On his Facebook page, Irsheid published comments criticising the UAE’s decision to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group.

He denies all charges against him.

Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood slammed the prison sentence against Irsheid describing it as being “suppressive to freedoms”.