Jordanians riot after election
From correspondents in Amman
20jun03
MEMBERS of a Jordanian tribe rioted in the capital, vandalising property and torching shops, because a rival tribe won their constituency in this week's parliamentary, witnesses said.
Police restored order in Naour, a southern suburb of Amman, but after two hours and a brief clash between the rioters and anti-riot police officers.
There was no immediate word of casualties from government officials, but witnesses said ambulances took away at least three wounded policemen.
Rioting began when about 40 members of the Ajarmeh tribe took to the streets to protest against the victory in Tuesday's elections of Abed al-Thawabyeh, who hails from another tribe, witnesses said.
The rioters shattered shop windows and public phone booths. They set fire to tires in the street, sending black smoke billowing over the district, and torched at least three shops.
Overnight, Ajarmeh tribesmen had held a meeting to discuss the loss. Thirteen Ajarmeh tribesmen had run in the polls, but not one won a seat. The tribe had been represented in the Chamber of Deputies for many years.
A woman in the public service said that Ajarmeh leaders had requested a meeting today with the mayor of Naour to complain about the vote count, but the mayor refused. The woman spoke on condition of anonymity.
Naour has about 45,000 residents. Jordan has an estimated 500 clans of which the Ajarmeh is a prominent one.