Jordans largest newspaper has closed down following a protest by the papers staff against delayed payments and corruption in the government of Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour.The closure of the state-owned newspaperAl Raitook place on Monday, after a six-week long dispute between the papers employees and the state appointed management over delayed wages and corruption.
The employees have accused Ensour of interfering" in the management of the paper, calling for his resignation.
On Sunday, the employees staged a rally in the capital Amman, chanting, Go, go Ensour, you cannot silence the press."
On November 6, Jordans police stormed the building of the paper and clashed with the papers employees, blocking traffic in front of the papers office. According to witnesses, several people were injured in the incident.
TheAl Raieditorial board has also threatened that it would boycott news items related to the premier if the employees demands are not met. The staff holds the government responsible for its problems.
Meanwhile, the Jordan Press Association censured the police for breaking into the newspaper and called on government officials to address the problems of the newspaper immediately.
Jordan has witnessed demonstrations since January 2011, with protesters demanding political reforms that include the election of the countrys prime minister by popular vote and an end to government corruption.
Jordanian protesters say the government has failed to take proper action to improve the ailing economy of the country.
Jordans King Abdullah II has sacked three prime ministers since 2011.
By Press TV
The Iran Project is not responsible for the content of quoted articles.
