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Rival protesters clash in Jordan

Pro- and anti-government demonstrators have clashed in the Jordanian capital, Amman, and several casualties have been reported.

Clashes began after government supporters armed with stones and sticks attacked anti-government protesters demanding reforms and an end to corruption among government officials.

The violence ended after police intervened. The protest was held under the slogan, “I Am An Inflammable Citizen.”

Two Jordanians set themselves on fire in separate episodes in the capital earlier this week. Their relatives say poverty was the main motive behind the self-immolations. One of the men, identified as a 51-year-old government employee, died on Monday after sustaining severe burns, the other is currently in the hospital.

A similar anti-government protest rally was also held in the southern city of Tafilah following the Friday Prayers.

Jordanians have been holding street protests demanding political reform, including the election of the prime minister by popular vote, and an end to corruption since January. There have been no calls for the king to be removed.

Since the beginning of protest rallies, Jordanian ruler, King Abdullah II, has sacked two prime ministers in a bid to avoid more protests. Awn al-Khasawneh, a judge at International Court of Justice, is Jordan’s third premier this year.

The king has also amended 42 articles of the 60-year-old constitution, giving parliament a stronger role in decision-making.

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