Jordan's King pardons young activist

Jordanian King Abdullah II announced on Wednesday that he pardons young activist Uday Abu Issa, who was sentenced to two years on charges of “undermining the King’s dignity”. Abu Issa was imprisoned after torching the King's picture near the municipal wall in Madaba, a city south of Amman. The 19-year-old activist burned the monarch's image to protest against the death of a municipal worker who set himself alight after his contract was terminated. Abu Issa has apologised to the King for his "reckless" action in a letter delivered by his lawyers. Recently, he was transferred to  hospital, as his health deteriorated after being on hunger strike for ten days. Meanwhile, the Jordanian State Security Court looked into the appeal to release former MP Ahmad Oweidi Abbadi on bail. The release date has not been set yet; however, head of defence attorneys Omar Al-Alwan confirmed that Abbadi will leave the prison soon. “Abbadi’s release is inevitable, but it awaits the ruling of the State Security Court,” Alwan stated. State news agency PETRA reported that Ahmad Oweidi Abbadi’s lawyer and family had presented an appeal to court calling for him to be released on bail. PETRA also reported that the State Security Court will examine the appeal on Thursday. Alwan pointed out that the release will be issued by “superior orders,” in reference to Jordan’s monarch. Abbadi has been held in custody since January, on account of his TV statements where he called for establishing a Jordanian republic. The public prosecution of the State Security Court has charged him of "incitement against the monarchy".