Jordanian opposition leader discharged from hospital 

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) Veteran opposition leader Leith Shbeilat was discharged from the hospital yesterday after receiving the required medical care, his supervising doctor, Adel Haddad, told The Jordan Times over the phone on Monday.

According to Haddad, Shbeilat arrived at the hospital on Sunday suffering from injuries and bruises to the face.

"Shbeilat is in good condition after being hospitalised for one day," Haddad said.

Early on Sunday, the former MP was attacked while buying bread at a bakery in downtown Amman, after which he drove himself all the way to Amman Surgical Hospital.

Meanwhile, Public Security Department (PSD) Spokesperson Major Mohammad Khatib told The Jordan Times yesterday that an investigation is under way to find out the circumstances of the incident.

"There are no suspects so far," Khatib noted.

Previously, the PSD reported that the incident had initially no political background, and resulted from an intense argument that took place between Shbeilat and several individuals.

However, speaking at a rally on Sunday to protest against the incident, former MP Mansour Seifeddin said the attack was a reaction to Shbeilat's statements at the Socialist Thought Forum and the National Initiative seminar titled, "The State and the Law" last week.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Action Front (IAF) issued a statement condemning the assault on Shbeilat and calling on the government to investigate the incident and arrest the perpetrators.

The statement, which was made available to The Jordan Times yesterday, also emphasised the importance of public freedom and democracy.

Referring to similar incidents in the 1990s, the IAF held the government responsible for the attack, echoing Seifeddin's assertion that it was a response to Shbeilat's participation and remarks at the seminar.

By Wafa Samara