Images: Jordanians back on the streets, Friday 4 March 2011

Ammanians again took to the streets in their thousands after midday prayers at Al Husseini Mosque on Friday, to demand political changes in Jordan. (Pic 1)

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Friday prayers, Al Husseini Mosque

Unlike the scenes two weeks ago, where some 10 followers of a particular Member of Parliament attacked the peaceful protesters, causing several serious injuries, the marches in recent weeks have been uneventful, no doubt attributable to the sizeable police presence at the front and rear, as well as lining the barricades on both sides of the road. (Pic 2)

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Police out in force

Visible evidence of the tolerance of the protesters for differing points of view was the unimpeded presence of supporters of King Abdullah, carrying a banner advertising their “uprising of being with the King” at another location, Masarat. (Pic 3)

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King Abdullah's supporters' unhindered presence at Friday's protest

The march was led by members of the Muslim Brotherhood, including Hamzeh Mansoor, President of the Islamic Front (far left), and Ali Abu Sokkar (second from the left). (Pic 4)

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Hamzeh Mansoor, President of the Islamic Front (left), and Ali Abu Sokkar, President of the Islamic Front Council (second from left) lead the march

Highly visible this week was Jordanian child Thamer Mohammed So’od Alajarmeh, (Pic 5) who was playing with his brothers in Jordan 50 km from the Israeli border, and died after a fall caused by the sonic boom of an Israeli fighter plane flying overhead, which threw him from the building.

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Thamer Mohammad So'od Alajarmeh, killed by Israeli bombs a week ago

Such Israeli incursions into Jordanian territory are another of protesters' complaints. In addition were placards and banners calling for “Neither Bukheer Nor Samer – We came to ask for change,” referring to the current and previous Prime Ministers, both appointed by King Abdullah, while others demanded the dissolution of parliament with “The people want the parliament out” and “36 national figures have signed a call to dissolve parliament and for the senators to go,” and yet others compared Jordan to Egypt and Libya, with “In Egypt there are thugs, In Libya there are mercenaries, In Jordan there are bullies and thieves.” (Pic 6)

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Numerous demands, one message - parliament OUT

People lined the streets, rooftops, and wherever they could fit, to support the marchers. (Pics 7, 8, 9)

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Lining the streets…

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…Rooftops...

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…and any available space.

And to those who ask, “Where are the women?” here they are – with their own messages, their friends, and their kids, (Pic 10, 11, 12) - the best reason they have to demand change.

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Women brought their message…

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… their friends…

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…and their kids.

Rest in Peace, Thamer. (Pic 13)

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One good reason why the Middle East needs change.

Julie Webb-Pullman (click to view previous articles) is a New Zealand based freelance writer who has reported for Scoop since 2003. Send Feedback to julie@scoop.co.nz

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