Joran’s Prince Hamzah Pledges Loyalty to King as Reports Banned

Jordan’s prosecutor general has banned the publication of any information about the alleged coup plot against King Abdullah II and his half-brother Prince Hamzah’s possible involvement. The order on Tuesday came a day after Hamzah signed a letter pledging loyalty to the king, Al Jazeera reported.

“I will remain committed to the constitution of the dear Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and I will always be of help and support to his majesty the king and his crown prince,” the letter said.

Hamzah signed the letter after Prince Hassan, the king’s uncle, was appointed as a mediator between Hamzah, the former crown prince, and the king along with the entire family, and after Hamzah met with Hassan.

As many as 20 people reportedly were arrested in Jordan on Saturday as part of an investigation into an alleged plot to unseat King Abdullah, which authorities have called “a threat to the country’s stability.” Hamzah is accused of being in contact with some of the foreign parties to the plot and has been under investigation for a while, Reuters reported.

Hamzah was removed as crown prince in 2004 in a bid by the king to consolidate his power.