Thousands protest in Jordan’s capital

Protests in Jordan against tax rises and austerity measures raged on for a third consecutive night.

Police fired tear gas and blocked roads in the capital Amman to stop protesters getting close to the cabinet office.

The protesters say the poor and middle class will suffer as a result of the new tax bill backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). King Abdullah has called for compromise from all sides. Several thousand protesters chanting anti-government slogans and calling for King Abdullah to dismiss Prime Minister Hani Mulki held vigils near the cabinet office.

There have also been some protests in provincial towns, where police have reportedly used tear gas. In the southern town of Maan protesters burned tyres on highways and there were scuffles with police.