Clashes break out at Jordan anti-government protest

LONDON. March 25. KAZINFORM Supporters of Jordan's government have clashed with protesters demanding political reforms in the capital Amman; Kazinform refers to BBC News.

Reports say supporters of the king threw stones at the hundreds of protesters camped in Gamal Abdel Nasser Square, injuring a number of them.

The protesters were demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit, reforms to parliament and for corrupt officials to stand trial.

King Abdullah appointed Mr Bakhit last month after large street protests.

Thursday's demonstration - which was organised through the social networking website Facebook by a group calling itself Youth of March 24 - saw student protesters joined by leftists and members of the Islamist opposition.

Some witnesses said the police stood by as a group of government supporters moved in to the square and began throwing stones. As many as 35 people were reported injured, most with head wounds.

Jordan's opposition has demanded electoral reforms that would see the prime minister directly elected and more powers granted to the parliament; Kazinform cites BBC News.

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