Jordanian Security Court Sentences 2 in Plot to Harm Monarchy

A court in Jordan sentenced a former government official and a minor member of the royal family to 15 years in prison over an alleged plot to stabilize the monarchy.

The men, Bassem Awadallah, who also has US citizenship and was once an aide to King Abdullah II, and Sharif Hassan bin Zaid, a member of the royal family, were found guilty in the security court in Amman of sedition and incitement. They had pleaded not guilty to the charges and reportedly will appeal. The trial was held behind closed doors.

They are accused of conspiring with Prince Hamza, the half brother of the king and a former heir to the throne. The issue of Hamzah, who was held under house arrest for several days, was handled within the family, the king said after his arrest. Hamza later publicly pledged his loyalty to Abdullah.

Awadallah, who holds US, Jordanian and Saudi citizenship, claims he was tortured In prison including being beaten and subjected to electrical shock to exact a confession.