Jordanian authorities have detained a high-ranking member of the Muslim Brotherhood.
**Jordan Bans Muslim Brotherhood and Cracks Down on Leaders**
In a significant move, the Jordanian government has officially banned the Muslim Brotherhood and closed its offices, effective from April 2025 [1][3]. The authorities have accused the group of plotting attacks involving rockets and drones within the kingdom.
The decision to ban the Muslim Brotherhood was made concurrently with the arrests of two senior leaders, Ahmed al-Zarqan and Aref Hamdan. Al-Zarqan, a member of the Executive Bureau of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, is the most senior leader to be detained since the ban was implemented. Hamdan, another senior member, was arrested a few days prior [1].
The investigation into the financial affairs of the Muslim Brotherhood is ongoing, and both the movable and immovable assets of the organization have been seized to comply with legal orders. The authorities have not specified whether the ban on the Muslim Brotherhood is permanent or temporary [2].
The government's actions are part of a broader security effort to seek papers and evidence that might implicate the organization. The Jordanian Interior Minister, Mazen Al-Faraya, made this decision [3]. The government has stated that any interaction with the organization via media or social media platforms is legitimate and subject to responsibility [7].
The Muslim Brotherhood's political arm, the Islamic Action Front, had electoral success, winning the most parliamentary seats in the 2024 elections. However, the group is now marginalized following the ban [1]. This repression aligns with a broader strategy to limit independent political parties in Jordan, secular or Islamist alike [1].
The Jordanian monarchy has maintained a hardline stance against the Muslim Brotherhood, viewing it as an existential threat. King Abdullah II has long referred to the group disparagingly and ensured it does not gain a meaningful share of power despite its domestic popularity and electoral successes [1].
These developments reflect heightened tensions between the Jordanian state and Islamist opposition amid regional security concerns [1][3][4]. The continued political repression and legal action against members of the Muslim Brotherhood indicate a continuing crackdown on the group's activities. Families and observers have expressed concerns that these actions are politically motivated and designed to vilify the Brotherhood and Hamas [4].
- The ban on the Muslim Brotherhood by the Jordanian government is not an isolated incident in their history, aligning with a broader strategy to limit independent political parties, as seen in the case of the Islamic Action Front, which had successful electoral wins but is now marginalized.
- Beyond Jordanian borders, news outlets around the world have reported on the developments, linking it to a broader regional security concern, suggesting that the Jordanian monarchy's stance against the Muslim Brotherhood is not just local politics but a significant aspect of general news.
- As entertainment and travel industries continue to grow, it is important to understand the political landscape of countries, as events like the Jordanian government's crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood can impact future relations and safety for travelers or media personnel, making it essential to stay informed about the news and politics of a destination.
