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Jordan bans Muslim Brotherhood: Here's what to know about the group

The Muslim Brotherhood, which calls for the Islamization of society, is popular throughout parts of the Arab world but has been banned by several countries in the region.

In this Dec. 10, 2020, photo released by the Royal Hashemite Court, Jordan's King Abdullah II gives a speech during the inauguration of the 19th parliament's non-ordinary session, in Amman, Jordan.
In this Dec. 10, 2020, photo released by the Royal Hashemite Court, Jordan's King Abdullah II gives a speech during the inauguration of the 19th parliament's non-ordinary session, in Amman, Jordan. — Yousef Allan/The Royal Hashemite Court via AP, File

Jordan banned the Muslim Brotherhood on Wednesday, throwing the future of the largest opposition bloc in the Hashemite Kingdom into question and joining a host of Arab countries that have outlawed the Islamist group.

Interior Minister Mazin Al-Farrayeh announced a ban on the Muslim Brotherhood’s activities, adding that membership in the organization and promoting its ideas are likewise prohibited. Jordanian police raided premises used by the Brotherhood on Wednesday in accordance with the ruling, state media reported.

The decision followed Jordanian authorities announcing a foiled plot last week allegedly linked to the group. Jordanian intelligence said they arrested 16 people over a plan "targeting national security, sowing chaos and sabotage within Jordan." The government said the alleged perpetrators belonged to an unspecified "dissolved group," and some of the accused said in confessions aired on state television that they were recruited by the Muslim Brotherhood. The plan included efforts to manufacture weapons and drones, per the authorities. 

The Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan

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