A protest has erupted in Amman, as decisions to raise gas prices by 30% have come into force at midnight tonight — an hour ago or so. All evening, gas stations I walked past had perhaps 20+ cars queuing, trying to get a full tank before the price hike.

The protest I was just watching, by the Ministry of Interior roundabout, had a couple of hundred people but some very virulent anti-King Abdallah slogans. Including the quintessential “الشعب يريد إسقاط النظام”  The people demand the downfall of the regime. (yes, that sounds familiar doesn’t it).

Another slogan I thought was impressive: الحرية من الله غصب عنك عبد الله — (Freedom is from God whether you like it or not, Abdallah). Yet another called the King “the patron of corruption”.

After a good hour and a half the police – regular police, anti-riot police, plain-clothed, and even guys in camouflage uniform – went to break the protest, running after protesters with batons. No teargas in case you were wondering.

Below are a few of my photos from 1/2 hour ago. All are licensed under CC — feel free to use and share, with attribution. [Flickr set is here]

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