Riots Over Bread Prices Reported

As many as 1,000 Muslim worshipers protesting increased bread prices clashed with police in at least two towns, injuring 14 people, witnesses said. The wounded included several police officers hit by stones, according to a government employee. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowds in the southern communities of Karak and Maan and made an unspecified number of arrests. There were conflicting accounts about the protests and the number of casualties. In a speech carried by state-run news media, King Hussein acknowledged only some “minor injuries.” The government raised wheat prices sharply this week as part of an economic restructuring program.