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Jordan detains 4 policemen for beating protesters

A Jordanian police spokesman says authorities have detained four police officers suspected of using "excessive force" against protesters and journalists in a pro-democracy sit-in last week.
Jordanian police beat a protester during a demonstration demanding reforms and the resignation of their prime minister, in Amman, Jordan, on Friday, July 15.
Jordanian police beat a protester during a demonstration demanding reforms and the resignation of their prime minister, in Amman, Jordan, on Friday, July 15.Raad Adayleh / AP
/ Source: The Associated Press

A Jordanian police spokesman says authorities have detained four police officers suspected of using "excessive force" against protesters and journalists in a pro-democracy sit-in last week.

Police swinging clubs clashed Friday with dozens of demonstrators trying to set up an open-ended protest camp in a central square in Jordan's capital of Amman. At least 15 people were injured in the confrontation, which was the most violent since March.

Several photographers and journalists were among those hurt, prompting complaints that police targeted reporters to deter them from covering the protest.

Lt. Col. Mohamed al-Khatib said Sunday a probe was under way to determine whether policemen broke the law. He said more officers could be arrested.

Journalists have said they will stage a sit-in Sunday to protest the police beatings.