Tag Archives: Amman

Ideology + Affiliation, Sexual + Gender Minorities

Jordan News | LGBT & Secular Artists

Jordan reverses ban on Lebanese band with gay frontman
  • Amman Governor Khaled Abu Zeid had announced the cancellation of Lebanese indie rock group Mashrou’ Leila’s concert in Amman, citing lyrics and belief that the band “violates the traditions and customs of the Jordanian society.”
  • Despite the band’s promotion of gender, sexual, and religious freedom, Mashrou’ Leila claimed to have had no problems performing in Jordan before, where they have given three concerts.
  • Although the travel ban was lifted, the reversal arrived too late for the band to play its scheduled concert, though they have indicated they look forward to playing in Jordan in the future.

Read more:
“Mashrou’ Leila: Jordan lifts ban on Lebanese band with gay singer” (BBC)
“Ban on Mashrou’ Leila concert triggers controversy” (The Jordan Times)
“Jordan lifts ban on popular Lebanese band Mashrou’ Leila” (The Daily Star and AP)

Additional:
Mashrou’ Leila (official website)

(Image Credit: Hussein Malla/AP, via The Daily Star)

Nationality + Migration

Jordan News | Foreigners

Three foreigners, two Jordanians killed in attack on training facility near Amman
  • Two Americans and one South African were killed along with three Jordanians at a U.S.-funded police training facility on the outskirts of Amman, Jordan.
  • The Americans and South African were security contractors, while one Jordanian was reportedly a translator.
  • The shooting comes as Jordan commemorates the 10-year anniversary of the 2005 Amman bombings, coordinated hotel attacks that left 60 dead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVS-BtPH4XE

Read more:
“Jordan says death toll rises to six in training facility attack” (Reuters)
“Jordanian officer fatally shoots two Americans, South African at security training site” (Reuters)
“What we know so far about the Jordanian police shooting” (Al Bawaba)