Jordanian MP Hasan al-Riyati loses seat for assaulting former colleague

Jordanian MP Hasan al-Riyati lost his seat after a two-year prison sentence for assaulting a former colleague was finalized. The Hizb al-Umma party is appealing the ruling, arguing the legal process is not yet complete.

Scraper SystemJuly 17, 2026, 11:18 AM

Jordanian MP Hasan al-Riyati loses seat for assaulting former colleague

In Jordan, MP Hasan al-Riyati's parliamentary membership ended after his prison sentence for assaulting a colleague was finalized. The decision, which sparked debate in legal and political circles, was taken under the relevant article of the Constitution.

The Amman Magistrate Court had convicted al-Riyati of assaulting former MP Shadi Farij during a brawl in parliament in 2021, sentencing him to two years in prison and compensation. The verdict became final after the Amman Court of First Instance rejected his appeal.

Article 75 of the Jordanian Constitution stipulates that an MP convicted of a non-political crime and sentenced to more than one year in prison loses their seat. Under this provision, al-Riyati's parliamentary membership officially ended.

Parliamentary debate and replacement appointment

The decision also caused tension during parliamentary sessions. Speaker Mazin al-Kadi adjourned the session and left the chamber after some MPs attempted to raise the issue, stressing that the matter was under the judiciary's jurisdiction.

On July 14, the Independent Election Commission appointed Bakr Yahya Muhammad al-Kasasibeh from the same party (Hizb al-Umma, formerly the Islamic Action Front) as al-Riyati's replacement, following a letter from the Speaker's office. Al-Kasasibeh is expected to be sworn in on Sunday.

Party appeal and legal battle

The Hizb al-Umma party strongly objects to the decision. Party Secretary-General Wael al-Saqqa said the Election Commission had acted hastily and that the party had appealed the ruling. Al-Saqqa stated, 'The Court of Cassation has previously overturned rulings in similar cases and resulted in acquittals. What will happen if our appeal is accepted and the sentence is reduced? We would face a major legal problem.'

The party's parliamentary bloc leader, Saleh al-Armouti, also said the case had not been conclusively resolved and that the appeal path remained open. The party's legal advisor, Bassam Ferihat, argued that if the appeal is accepted, all decisions would be void and al-Riyati could immediately return to parliament.

Expert opinions

Constitutional law expert Laith Nasraween offered a different view. Nasraween stated that while the appeal is procedurally possible, it would not restore al-Riyati's seat. 'Even if the Court of Cassation overturns the criminal conviction, that does not reinstate the lost membership. Once the vacant seat is filled and the new MP is sworn in, the constitutional status changes. There is no provision in the Constitution or the election law that allows the membership to be revived,' he said.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Mamdouh al-Abadi also said the judiciary had the final say and that the party should not escalate the matter further. Al-Abadi remarked, 'The replacement MP is from the same party. The Election Commission would not have taken such a step without a final court ruling.'

The incident stems from a fistfight between al-Riyati and former MP Shadi Farij in the Jordanian parliament on December 28, 2021. In June, al-Riyati was sentenced to two years in prison, and on July 9, the appeals court upheld the verdict. Following the loss of his seat under the Constitution, a replacement candidate from the same party entered parliament. Hizb al-Umma continues its legal battle.

Jordanian MP Hasan al-Riyati loses seat for assaulting former colleague