A fight between Jordanian deputies broke out in the middle of sitting in Parliament. The footage was broadcast live on al-Mamlaka channel.
Jordanian MPs came to blows Tuesday during a debate on gender equality as part of constitutional reform, according to state television.
The government wishes to amend the Constitution, and in particular to include the mention “Jordanian women” in Chapter II entitled “Rights and duties of Jordanians” which relates in particular to the equal rights of citizens. Several deputies opposed this modification, deeming it “unnecessary”, according to the al-Mamlaka channel which broadcast the session.
“It’s ‘eib’ (shame or dishonor in Arabic) for us to add the word Jordanian,” said MP Raed Smeirat. These remarks angered the head of Parliament Abdelkarim al-Daghmi who demanded an apology.
Another member asked to adjourn the session. The leader of the Parliament refused, attracting a “You don’t understand anything yourself!” From the deputy. Abdelkarim al-Daghmi then asked him to leave the room following which a fight broke out between several deputies. The session was finally postponed to Wednesday.
The Constitution, promulgated in 1952 by the grandfather of King Abdullah II, has already been amended 29 times.