Jordan sentences ex-MP to 10 years in prison for smuggling weapons into occupied West Bank

A Jordanian court on Wednesday sentenced a lawmaker to 10 years of hard labour for smuggling weapons into the occupied West Bank.

Former MP Imad al-Adwan was arrested by Israeli forces in April 2022 at the Allenby Crossing between Jordan and the West Bank while attempting to bring weapons into Palestinian territory.

Israel's Shin Bet security service said at the time that al-Adwan had 12 rifles and 194 pistols in his car and had regularly crossed the border to smuggle items, including "birds, pigeons, electronic cigarettes and gold".

It said its investigation revealed that Al-Adwan had carried out 12 separate smuggling attempts since early 2022.

Al-Adwan's arrest triggered outrage in Jordan, where he was hailed as a hero for supporting Palestinian resistance under Israeli occupation.

"I’m not satisfied with the state's response. The conditions imposed by the Israelis for Adwan's return are unacceptable. He shouldn't be tried," MP Salah al-Armouti, who voted against the lifting of Adwan's immunity, told The New Arab after his indictment in May 2023.

It also tested ties between Tel Aviv and Amman, with the latter wary of a public trial being held in Israel.

Three others were also convicted alongside Al-Adwan by the Jordanian State Security Court and received lengthy sentences.