The protests in Karkak and Tafileh, 120 km and 180 km respectively south of the capital, also considered the constitutional amendments proposed last week by an ad hoc panel as inadequate, witnesses said.

“The recommended amendments to the constitution fall short of the people’s aspirations,” a statement issued by protesters said.

“The Jordanian people were awaiting amendments that prove the seriousness of the decision-makers about their intention of making reforms,” the statement said.

King Abdallah said last week that what he considered as “historical amendments” to the constitution provided for the setting up of a constitutional court, the supervision of general elections by an independent body and the trial of ministers by civilian courts.

Protesters also lashed out at the lower house of Parliament accusing many of its members of teaming up with the government in targeting pro-reform demonstrators through mob elements.

They also accused deputies of “protecting corrupts,” a reference to the chamber’s voting last week to clear Bakhit and members of his 2007 Cabinet of involvement in what had come to be known as the casino deal fraud.