Jordan's March 24 Youth rally blocked

Jordanian security forces on Saturday opened all roads leading to the roundabout of the Ministry of Interior in central Amman after a closure which lasted for several hours to prevent the March 24 Youth movement, the youth arm of the Islamic movement, from reaching the area. A rally of March 24 Youth protested on Saturday, demanding political reforms and fight against corruption in the country, while Jordanian security forces attempted to prevent protesters from setting up camp at the main roundabout in Amman leading to the Ministry of the Interior building.   March 24 Youth intended a sit-in and establish tents on the roundabout similar to those held in Tahrir Square in Cairo during the January 25 revolution. However, security forces separated the March 24 Youth rally from another one taking place by pro-government protesters shouting opposing chants,  in order to prevent clashes between the two sides. March 24 Youth were celebrating the first anniversary of their protests, aimed at demanding political reforms and fighting corruption in the country. Meanwhile, the official news agency Petra, reported that 100 young people participated in the march, including about 36 supporters of the so-called "Jordanian movement". Participants at the Regency Hotel yard demonstration walked out of the area heading towards their homes, late Saturday, at a time when 50 of the March 24 Youth left for the Abdali area towards the roundabout. On March 24 last year Jordan witnessed a political turning point when a group of young people began a sit-in demanding comprehensive reform for the economically-troubled country.