Albawaba.com
Amman
A security source said late Friday that the death of 18-year-old Osama Satari, who was killed earlier during clashes between demonstrators and anti-riot police at Baqaa refugee camp, was due to a “settlement of internal disputes,” and not at the hands of the police.
Osama was taking part in a rally in support for the Palestinian people when riots broke out and the police shot live rounds at the angry crowds, according to eyewitnesses.
However, participants at the demonstrations reaffirmed that Osama was killed by the police fire at the entrance of the camp.
A medical source in the town of Salt, 40 km to the west of the capital, said that eight protestors, including Osama, were admitted to the public Salt Hospital. He said that the wounded suffered from injuries caused by gunshots, mainly in their legs.
The police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added that riots were still underway in Baqaa, which was under siege by police forces, who apparently decided not to force an entry into the camp.
“Notables from the camp negotiated with the police, and had guarantees that the forces would not storm the camp,” he said, adding that “so far, the camp leaders have not been able to calm down the rioters,” who closed the entrances to the area with burning tires.
Minister of Interior and the head of the police were at the scene, according to the source.
Residents of Baqaa contacted by phone said there was a blackout, and did not rule out that the security had ordered the power cutoff. However, other residents said the cutoff was due to a fire set to the power generator by rioters.
Meanwhile, Jordanian authorities threatened Friday to take “firm action” against citizens who take part in demonstrations and rallies after violent clashes erupted on Thursday and Friday between riot police and thousands of protestors.
The fiercest confrontations took part near the Israeli embassy in Rabia, and those in the Baqaa camp.
In a statement broadcast on Jordan TV late Friday, the government said that “due to the sabotage done by irresponsible individuals yesterday and today in different parts of Amman, the government will deal with firmness and forcefulness with all those who defy the orders and decisions issued by the different security services and other authorities.”
The statement called on citizens to refrain from any acts that would “disturb security or harm the interests and properties of Jordanians, to maintain Jordan’s security and its pure image".
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