The official refused to say why they were freed. But the government is trying to ease tension with the opposition, which accuses it of ordering police to use unjustified force to disperse a peaceful protest.
The government blamed the 25 for instigating Friday's clashes between its supporters and opponents, in which one man died and 120 people were wounded. The official said the 25 included pro and anti-government protesters.
Meanwhile, the prime minister of Jordan said on Monday people have the right to free speech and that the government will set aside special areas for protests. “The freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are constitutional rights as long as they are peaceful, civilized and do not harm people,” Prime Minister Maaruf Bakhit said in a statement. “The government, which is keen on preserving these rights, will allocate certain places for demonstrations, to protect protesters and avoid obstructing the lives of others.”
Hundreds of loyalists on Saturday marched in the capital, carrying pictures of King Abdullah II as well as firearms and swords, chanting slogans against “all those who undermine the stability” of the regime and the country.
“Carrying firearms, bats, stones and sharp tools as well as attempts to prevent peaceful demonstrations are condemned. They harm Jordan’s image and reform drive,” Bakhit said.
“The security apparatuses must firmly stop any one who tries to break the law and threaten the lives and safety of citizens.” Bakhit warned against “proposals of sedition.” “I call on all political parties, civil society institutions and youths to avoid proposals of sedition, including traps posted online,” he said.
He was apparently referring to calls to limit the king’s powers to pave the way for a constitutional monarchy, which has been described as a “threat to Jordan’s survival,” including some that have surfaced on the Internet.
The prime minister’s remarks came after the king on Sunday said “the most important thing now is our national unity, which must not be touched.” Bakhit called on 15 members of a government-appointed commission for dialogue who quit after Friday’s clashes to reconsider their decisions.
“I urge those committee members to retract their resignations in order to accomplish the major national task of carrying out reforms,” he said.
