Jordanian hard-liner says jailed Salafis go on a hunger strike, demand their release

WARNING: Article contains propaganda!

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By The Associated Press – Jun 12, 2011

AMMAN, Jordan — A Jordanian Islamic leader says 300 jailed militants have begun a hunger strike to press the government for their release.

Last week, Jordan's King Abdullah II pardoned hundreds, but not hard-liners and those convicted of serious crimes, like manslaughter and rape.

Police confirm that 46 men from the ultraconservative Salafi stream of Islam — banned in Jordan — went on a hunger strike Saturday.

Wesam Omoush insists that the number was 300, including 100 detained for armed attacks that wounded 83 policemen in April. The rest were convicted in terror plots or links to al-Qaida.

On Sunday, tens of veiled wives and children of the jailed Salafis protested outside the prime minister's office demanding freedom for the prisoners.

Omoush said Sunday that the Salafis plan daily protests.

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