Jordan parliament member, Imad al-Adwan, has been released from Israel’s custody after being accused of smuggling weapons and gold. Al-Adwan was arrested on April 22 with 12 rifles and 194 pistols in his possession crossing the Israeli controlled border. This event revealed that Imad al-Adwan has attempted at least 12 smuggling trips of contraband since early 2022, specifically using his diplomatic passport to make the trips in exchange for money. A source shares that Imad has lost his diplomatic immunity, meaning that he has the possibility to face prosecution in Jordan upon his arrival. Whereas another security specific source shares that there will be a trial carried out against him.
The arrest of Imad al-Adwan may add increased stress onto relations between the two states of Jordan and Israel. The two states already share a border (Israel’s longest border), however their ties have grown tense due to Israel’s illegal settlements on occupied land and its raids on Palestinians on the West Bank. This may cause a shift in the states relationship regarding their security ties and how they engage with one another moving forward regarding border security disputes. Additionally, this puts Jordan in the position of having to review their parliament members and question the intentions of each individual. And if not question, at least become more aware of what is happening or what those who have a title such as Imad are using it for or acting on.
This relates to what we discussed in class because it discusses the way states utilize their judicial system and how they go about prosecuting, especially when involving other states or crimes being done outside state lines.