Jordan: Families demand justice in case tied to Muslim Brotherhood crackdown

Four Jordanians are due to receive their verdict next week in a case widely seen as politically motivated, aimed at targeting the Muslim Brotherhood and vilifying Hamas.

With the ruling set for 2 July, the men’s families have issued urgent appeals for justice, insisting they are innocent and have been made scapegoats.

The case has sparked debate over alleged legal irregularities, political interference, and growing tensions between the state and opposition groups.

Known as the “Drone Case,” it involves Ali Fareed Qassem, Abd al-Aziz Emad al-Din Harun, Abdallah Safar al-Haddar, and Ahmad Ibrahim Khalifa. They are charged under Jordan’s Anti-Terrorism Law No. 55 of 2006.

Prosecutors accuse the four of planning to manufacture drones in a way that would “disturb public order and endanger the safety and security of society.” 

State media has suggested the drones were intended for use in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, in solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli bombardment in Gaza.

'[The charges] are broad enough to criminalise any action, intent, or even thought with a political dimension' 

- Legal source familiar with the case

Defence lawyers and family members strongly deny the allegations, noting that no drones or related equipment were found at the time of the arrests.

The arrest of the four was announced in mid-April as part of a crackdown that involved a total of 16 people. 

The government said the 16 men worked in different connected cells on alleged plots involving drones, missiles, and explosives since 2021. 

The individuals were linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. The group, through its political arm, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), denied all connections to the accused.

Weeks after the arrests, the interior ministry issued a blanket ban on the Muslim Brotherhood before court referrals. The ban was followed by raids on the headquarters of the IAF and arrests of some of its senior leaders.

The IAF is the largest opposition party in Jordan, with 31 members in parliament. It secured nearly a third of the vote in the elections last year, marking its most significant electoral victory since its founding in 1992.

Legal flaws, political motives

A legal source familiar with the case, who wished to remain anonymous, said the prosecution breached due process. 

The defendants were secretly filmed during questioning, he said. The footage was then "selectively edited" and aired on pro-government channels. 

This violated a “principle enshrined in Jordanian criminal law and international standards for fair trial procedures,” he said. 

'In the short term, the aim is to turn public opinion against the Islamic movement'

- legal source

The defendants were also tricked into signing blank papers, according to the source. These were later filled in with confessions. 

“This practice is commonly and unlawfully applied in most security-related cases referred to the State Security Court,” he explained. 

He also described the charges as “vague and flexible” which is “broad enough to criminalise any action, intent, or even thought with a political dimension that is disapproved by the executive authority.”

Since the April arrests, observers have said the tone and timing of the announcement marked the culmination of an intensifying political campaign against the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan. 

Observers say this aims to discredit the IAF and curb support for Palestinian resistance, especially Hamas. 

Since the Israeli war on Gaza began in 2023, Jordanian public support for Palestine has surged. This has mounted pressure on Jordan, which has a peace treaty with Israel and is closely tied with the US. 

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“In the short term, the aim is to turn public opinion against the Islamic movement,” the source said. “Authorities are trying to paint it as socially and politically deviant - even dangerous to national security - to justify dismantling it.”

The source added that maintaining this narrative is challenging given the Islamic movement’s longstanding presence in Jordanian public life. 

“It’s not easy to erase something that’s been part of the country for 80 years,” he said.

Over the longer term, the case is seen as part of a broader strategy to undermine public support for Hamas. According to the source, the government hopes to weaken "moral, financial, and even logistical support" for the group. 

Middle East Eye contacted the defence lawyers for comment but they refused to comment due to a court-imposed gag order. 

‘This is not just about them’

The families of four men accused the government of scapegoating their sons to appease foreign powers.

In a statement shared with MEE, the families said their sons have never engaged in illegal activity.

“We raised them to love their country and work for its stability. These accusations are completely unfounded.”

The families insist the conversation between the accused about drones was purely theoretical and motivated by concern for civilians in Gaza.

“They thought about ways to send food and medicine to Gaza,” they said. 

'Sympathy for the oppressed is not a crime. These young men should be honoured, not punished'

- Families of the accused 

The families also denied any political affiliations, describing the young men as “ordinary citizens with no links to any organisation”.

They criticised the media’s portrayal of the case, saying it prejudged the outcome.

“Our sons were shown on television as criminals before any trial. The charges have no legal basis.”

The families warned that prosecuting youth for expressing solidarity with Palestinians sends a dangerous message.

“Sympathy for the oppressed is not a crime. These young men should be honoured, not punished.”

They called on the Jordanian public to reject what they see as politically motivated accusations.

“Every patriotic citizen should defend these young men. 

“This is not just about them, it’s about protecting justice and national unity.”