This article is an updated version of the article "Jordanian man on trial over threat to bomb Australian embassy."
The Australian embassy has released a statement on the trial of a Jordanian man who allegedly threatened to bomb the embassy in Amman:
“We are aware of reports that an individual in Jordan is the subject of legal proceedings regarding alleged threats. We understand this relates to a private dispute and is now a matter for Jordanian authorities.”
It is not yet clear when the alleged threats were made, or in what context, as Jordanian officials have so far declined to comment over security concerns, and an embassy spokesperson did not elaborate beyond the statement.
A trial commenced Monday for Jordanian Ali al-Hasanat, accused of plotting to blow up the Australian Embassy in Amman through a message in his Facebook account, the AFP reports.
In a state security court in Amman, al-Hasanat denied the allegations during the trial, which included the accusation of using the internet for activity that could "expose Jordan to acts of aggression."
The charge sheet, of which a copy was made available to the AFP, alleged that al-Hasanat sent a Facebook message to the Australian Embassy with a threat "to blow it up" and "a picture of a bullet" attached. Charges also linked the 37-year-old to another Facebook message that threatened to "to kill Australian tourists." It is unclear when exactly the threat was made.
Having so far dodged coming under the same ISIL surge entrenching its neighboring countries, Jordan joined the coalition of Arab nations in a U.S.-led airstrike campaign in Syria in September. Since then, the Hashemite Kingdom has taken several moves to bolster security.
While government spokespeople say the kingdom's northern border with Syria remains open to refugees, reports from several NGOs purport it has been sealed off in recent weeks amid rising security concerns.
With an estimated 1500-2000 Jordanians believed to be fighting alongside ISIL and al-Qaeda-linked Nusra Front in Syria, bolstered intelligence efforts have also been implemented inside the country.
Al-Hasanat's trial was ajourned to Monday to give him time to find a lawyer. He faces up to 15 years in prison if found guilty.
