Jordan’s government is preparing a new round of measures against the banned Muslim Brotherhood that could extend to closing or suspending its political arm, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), a senior official source told Erem News on Monday.
The source said authorities have decided to “turn the page” on the Brotherhood after investigators linked some members to an alleged plot to build rockets and stockpile weapons for attacks inside Jordan. “The red lines were crossed,” the official added, accusing the group of recruiting fighters and financing arms purchases.
Possible scenarios
- IAF under scrutiny: After last week’s Constitutional Court ruling that dissolved the Jordanian Teachers’ Syndicate—long dominated by Brotherhood supporters—the government is “seriously considering” similar action against the IAF if party members are proven to have aided the weapons cell, the source said.
- Financial probe: Authorities are also reviewing Brotherhood finances. Investigators say the movement raised about 30 million dinars (≈ $42 million), some of which allegedly funded IAF election campaigns that won 31 seats in last year’s parliament.
Harder line after years of leniency
The Brotherhood and many IAF leaders, the source said, still “bet on the government’s tolerance,” but “this time there will be no retreat.” A reform faction inside the IAF recently failed to push through proposals to sever ties with the outlawed movement.
In the past 10 days courts detained two IAF lawmakers: Hassan Riyati, accused of smuggling Brotherhood documents, and Yanal Frehat, who posted pro‑Brotherhood comments online. Both were later released on bail—signals, analysts say, that the judiciary is prepared to act more forcefully.
Last Thursday the Constitutional Court struck down the Teachers’ Syndicate’s founding law, a decision widely seen as a blow to Brotherhood influence in the professional unions.
Gaza donations and weapons plot
Investigators allege the Brotherhood exploited the Gaza war to collect donations without disclosing amounts, sources or distribution channels. The General Intelligence Department unveiled an alleged Brotherhood cell on April 15 that was training abroad and manufacturing rockets in Jordan. Interior Minister Mazen al‑Faraya then reaffirmed the group’s ban, citing plans to destabilise the kingdom.
With parliamentary and municipal elections on the horizon, officials say any evidence linking IAF members to arms deals or illicit funding could trigger party dissolution or sanctions against its deputies.
