Jordanian writer killed outside court

Many of Jordan’s conservative Muslims considered Hattar’s move deeply offensive. Still, such politically motivated assassinations are rare in the U.S.-backed Arab kingdom, whose relative stability has distinguished it from war-ravaged neighbors such as Syria and Iraq.

Hattar, who was also Jordan’s most vocal supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was charged with contempt of religion and sowing sectarian tensions. The country’s highest official religious fatwa authority criticized Hattar for what it said was the “insult to the divine entity, Islam and religious symbols.”

Two witnesses said the gunman was wearing a traditional Arab dishashada, worn by ultra-conservative Sunni Salafis.

“This killer drew his weapon from his briefcase, or the bag he was holding, and shot Nahed Hattar’s chest, causing Hattar to fall to the ground. He then shot at him again, a second, third,” said Mohammad Jughbeir, who was standing close to Hattar.