Al-Kabareiti: Toujan's criticism against the government is constructive
Jordan, Politics, 5/1/2002

Former Jordanian prime minister Abdul Karim al-Kabareiti has defended the criticism addressed against the government by former Jordanian member of parliament Toujan Faisal who has been tried over charges of undermining the sovereignty of the state; considering this criticism as constructive.

This was expressed during al-Kabareiti's testimony before of the state security court on Tuesday. Al-Kabareiti who also occupied the post of the chairman of the royal court in 1999- 2000 said "I personally heard during my presidency over the Cabinet in 1966-1997 stronger criticism than that mentioned in Toujan's message to King Abdullah. And I do think that as far as one has accepted to be involved in public life affairs he has to hear what he might be responsible for as an official."

The Former Jordanian member of Parliament is facing four charges, the first one is disseminating false statements outside Jordan that may defame the sovereignty of the country. She was accused of this charge after she had sent a message by the E-mail to King Abdullah accusing the prime minister Ali Abu al-Ragheb of benefiting financially from a government decision to increase insurance fees on cars by 100%. A matter which was deliberately denied by the government.

In his testimony before the court, al-Kabareiti considered what was stated in the message of words as falling in the framework of constructive criticism which aims at serving the public interest and a proof that practicing democracy in Jordan is a reality. He added that Toujan al-Faisal is known for her objection for the government, and though its is in a sharp criticism, it is aimed at serving the public interests."

The defendant had also asked the court to summon the prime minister Ali Abu al-Ragheb for testimony. The court on Tuesday approved, generally speaking, the list of witnesses submitted by the defendants but explained it postponed summoning Abu al-Ragheb until later time. The court will resume today (Wednesday) considering the case to hear other witnesses.

Previous Stories:
  Toujan al-Faisal before the security court for speaking her mind   (4/17/2002)
  Toujan al-Faisal trial started   (4/16/2002)
  Jordan's Toujan al-Faisal for investigation next week   (4/12/2002)

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