Although the unrest in the Middle East has inspired protests in Jordan, the demonstrators had been careful not to attack the royal family. Any criticism of the royal family could result in a three-year prison sentence.
However, 36 tribes have issued a public statement accusing Queen Rania, King Abdullah II's wife, of "corruption." The tribes make up about 40 percent of the population and wield considerable political sway.
"We call on the king to return to the treasury land and farms given to the Yassin family (of the queen). The land belongs to the Jordanian people," 36 tribal leaders said this week in a joint statement, Agence France-Presse reports.
Queen Rania, a Palestinian by birth, is an international celebrity and has been often noted for her commitment to charity work geared toward women's education.
However, her international fame has led to homegrown criticism. The statement criticizes her lavish lifestyle and suggests she has helped relocate thousands of Palestinians to Jordan. AFP said there are fears that the addition of more Palestinians would "facilitate Israeli plans to turn Jordan into a substitute homeland for the Palestinians."
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