Post date: Jul 08, 2012 3:16:41 PM
A political debate on Jordanian TV descends into a brawl, with a member of parliament wielding a pistol in the clash with a former MP.
AMMAN, JORDAN (JULY 5, 2012) (JOSAT) - A former Jordanian politician who was threatened with a gun on live television told Reuters on Saturday (July 7) that he had made a complaint to police.
On Thursday (July 5), Mansur Muradn was debating the Syrian crisis with current MP Mohammed Shababkeh. The discussion spiralled out of control when Murad accused Shababkeh of buying his way into parliament. He reacted angrily, throwing a shoe at Murad. Shababkeh then pulled out a pistol, as his opponent ducked for cover. The programme's presenter was forced to step in and separate the two men. Murad says the MP threatened to kill him during the brawl.
"He started losing control gradually. As the audience saw, he took off his shoes and threw one at me. It seems that when I reacted, although I was keen to avoid an escalation, I saw him pull out his gun and he vowed to slaughter me and kill me. It was a shock to all of us," said Murad.
The former politician has begun legal action against Shawabkeh.
"We filed a complaint (to police) over the death threats. This is a political case, a national issue. The Jordanian people will decide the fate of this issue and parliament must act to defend the image of the country and and its reputation," added Murad, who supports Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's crackdown on protesters.
Legal experts say Shawabkeh will not be able to rely on the political immunity he has as an MP and could be forced to resign.